Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has clarified Ghana’s position on a recent vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council, refuting claims that the country compromised its stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
Addressing public concerns and criticism, the Minister explained that the vote in question was not about legalizing or endorsing LGBTQ+ rights, but rather a procedural resolution to extend the mandate of independent experts on violence against women and persons of various sexual orientations.
“The motion before the UN was not a human rights question on LGBTQ+,” Minister Ablakwa stated.
“It concerned the continuation of experts’ mandates on violence against women and other marginalized groups. Ghana chose to abstain in line with our longstanding human rights position.”
The Minister emphasized that Ghana’s abstention should not be interpreted as support for LGBTQ+ policies, but rather a neutral position on a broader human rights issue.
He cautioned the public against misinformation and urged Ghanaians to consider the full context of the vote.
The clarification comes in response to criticism from some groups who accuse the government of indecision and failing to uphold national values.
