Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament Samuel Nartey George has reaffirmed his uncompromising stance on LGBTQ+ matters, expressing disappointment over Ghana’s recent abstention during a United Nations Human Rights Council vote on draft resolution L.24.
The resolution sought to extend the mandate of the Independent Expert on the protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. While Ghana issued a statement on its values and constitutional position during the debate, it abstained from the final vote, a decision that Sam George described as conflicting with Ghana’s declared principles.
“That vote is in conflict with Ghana’s espoused position and my conscience. We must at all times make our position clear and unambiguous,” he wrote on his X page.
He stated that while he aligns with the content and intent of Ghana’s statement at the UN, abstaining from the vote undermines the clarity and firmness expected from a country that has repeatedly declared its opposition to LGBTQ+ rights.
Sam George further confirmed that the same anti-LGBTQ+ bill passed by Parliament in 2023 but left unsigned by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been resubmitted. He urged Parliament to expedite the process so the bill could be presented to President John Dramani Mahama.
“I urge Parliament to expedite the approval process so we present the Bill to President John Dramani Mahama. The innocence of Ghanaian children and the sanctity of our values cannot be traded for any consideration.”
The lawmaker’s comments follow a clarification issued by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 9. The Ministry explained that the vote abstained from was not about supporting LGBTQ+ rights but specifically about renewing the mandate of the UN Independent Expert on LGBTQ-related discrimination and violence.
According to the Ministry, Ghana abstained in line with Chapter 5, Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on gender, religion, or social status. The Ministry further clarified that Ghana’s understanding of gender remains consistent with the traditional biological definitions of male and female.
The government also reassured the public of its commitment to upholding Ghana’s cultural and moral values and stated that it would not support any agenda that undermines national identity or religious norms.
In May 2025, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin reaffirmed plans to reintroduce the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, which seeks to criminalise same-sex relationships, advocacy, promotion, and funding of LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. If passed, the legislation would increase prison terms for such offenses and penalise public support for LGBTQ+ causes.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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