The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, has expressed his disapproval of Ghana’s recent decision to abstain from a United Nations Human Rights Council vote on violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Ghana’s abstention from the vote on the renewal of the mandate for the Independent Expert on violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity has sparked criticism from the Minority in Parliament, who argue that the government’s action misrepresents the country’s cultural and moral values on the international stage.
Although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs later clarified that the resolution was not about endorsing LGBTQ+ rights but focused on protecting individuals from violence and discrimination, concerns remain.
Reacting to the matter in a Facebook post on July 10, 2025, Sam George—an outspoken advocate for the passage of Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill—reaffirmed his unwavering stance on the issue.
“My position on the matter of LGBTQ+ remains steadfast. I have read the full statement Ghana made on the floor in relation to our position on draft resolution L.24. I align fully with the letter and spirit of the text,” he stated.
He, however, questioned the decision to abstain from the final vote, calling it inconsistent with Ghana’s publicly declared stance.
“I cannot, however, in good conscience, understand the decision to abstain in the subsequent vote. That vote is in conflict with Ghana’s espoused position and my conscience. We MUST at all times make our position clear and unambiguous,” the Ningo-Prampram MP wrote.
Sam George also revealed that the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, which Parliament passed last year but was not assented to by then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has been resubmitted.
“Like I indicated earlier, together with my Colleagues in Parliament, we have resubmitted the same Bill that was passed last year by Parliament, which Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo refused to sign. I urge Parliament to expedite the approval process so we can present the Bill to President John Dramani Mahama.”
He concluded by stressing the importance of upholding Ghanaian values.
“The innocence of Ghanaian children and the sanctity of our values cannot be traded for any considerations. Let truth and our conscience, and principles be our guiding light,” he added.
Ghana didn’t vote on LGBTQI rights — Foreign Affairs Ministry clarifies