Sam George slams his own gov’t for Ghana’s UN abstention on LGBTQ+ vote
The Minister of Communications and Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has strongly criticised Ghana’s decision to abstain from a recent vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council on LGBTQ+ rights, calling it a betrayal of the country’s stated principles and moral compass.
Taking to his official Facebook page, Mr George expressed deep disappointment with Ghana’s abstention on Draft Resolution L.24 at the 59th session of the Human Rights Council.
He argued that the decision was “in conflict with Ghana’s espoused position and my conscience,” and called for the nation’s stance on such issues to be “clear and unambiguous.”
“The innocence of Ghanaian children and the sanctity of our values cannot be traded for any consideration,” he wrote. “Let truth, our conscience and our principles be our guiding light.”
Reaffirming his unwavering position on LGBTQ+ matters, the MP revealed that he and his colleagues in Parliament have reintroduced the same anti-LGBTQ+ legislation that was passed last year but left unsigned by then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
He urged the House to fast-track the process and present the bill to President John Dramani Mahama for immediate assent.
In response to widespread public debate and confusion over Ghana’s position, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a clarification on Wednesday, July 9.
The Ministry explained that Ghana’s abstention should not be interpreted as an endorsement of LGBTQ+ rights.
According to the Ministry, the resolution in question was not a vote for or against LGBTQ+ rights, but rather about the renewal of the mandate of the UN Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
“There was no vote on the support of LGBTQI for which Ghana abstained, as has been wrongly reported by a section of the Ghanaian media,” the statement read.
The Ministry emphasized that Ghana’s position was rooted in Article 17 of Chapter 5 of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on several grounds, including gender, race, and ethnic origin. The Ministry argued that Ghana remains committed to upholding human rights within the framework of its national values and constitutional provisions.
The controversial vote, which took place on Monday, July 7, saw 29 member states vote in favour, 15 against, and 3—including Ghana—abstain.
As the debate continues to stir public sentiment, Sam George’s comments have reignited discussions about legislative action on LGBTQ+ matters in Ghana, with Parliament once again at the centre of a deeply polarising national conversation.
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