The Ghanaian government abstained from a United Nations Human Rights Council vote on July 7, 2025, to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Of the Council’s member states, 29 voted in favour, 15 opposed, and three, including Ghana, abstained.
The mandate’s renewal reinforces global efforts to safeguard the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals under international law.
Ghana’s abstention comes as the country faces renewed internal efforts to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities.
In May 2025, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin announced plans to reintroduce the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill, which seeks to expand criminal penalties for same-sex relationships and prohibit advocacy, promotion, or funding of LGBTQ+ causes.
If enacted, the bill would increase prison sentences and target public support for LGBTQ+ rights.
The UN vote followed a global campaign by over 1,200 NGOs advocating for the continuation of the mandate, which was ultimately approved despite Ghana’s non-committal stance.
