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Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament, Samuel Nartey George, has reaffirmed his firm stance against LGBTQ+ rights, following Ghana’s controversial decision to abstain from a key vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) earlier this week.
The outspoken legislator, who is one of the lead proponents of Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill, expressed disappointment over Ghana’s abstention from a vote on draft resolution L.24 — a move he says contradicts the country’s publicly stated position.
“I align fully with the letter and spirit of Ghana’s statement on the floor. However, I could not, in good conscience, understand the decision to abstain from the vote,” he posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. “That vote is in conflict with Ghana’s espoused position and my conscience.”
Hon. Sam George further revealed that the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill, which Parliament passed in 2024 but was not signed into law by then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has been resubmitted. He urged the current Parliament to expedite the legislative process so the bill can be presented to President John Dramani Mahama for assent.
“The innocence of Ghanaian children and the sanctity of our values cannot be traded for any consideration,” he stressed. “Let truth, our conscience, and principles be our guiding light.”
His comments come in the wake of public confusion and media reports suggesting that Ghana had voted to support LGBTQ+ rights at the 59th session of the Human Rights Council held on Monday, July 7, 2025.
Foreign Ministry Clarifies Ghana’s Position
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that Ghana did not vote in support of LGBTQ+ rights. According to the Ministry, Ghana’s abstention was strictly in relation to a vote on whether to renew the mandate of the UN’s 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 explained that Ghana’s abstention was consistent with Chapter 5, Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination on various grounds including gender and social status. It also emphasized that Ghana continues to uphold traditional definitions of gender and sex, as male and female, in both social and policy contexts.
The resolution in question passed with 29 countries voting in favour, 15 against, and three — including Ghana — abstaining.
Renewed Push for Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation
The debate reignites at a time when Parliament is preparing to reintroduce the anti-LGBTQ+ bill. The proposed legislation seeks to criminalise same-sex sexual relationships, as well as the promotion, advocacy, or funding of LGBTQ+ causes. If passed, the bill would increase the maximum prison term for same-sex acts from three to five years, and introduce penalties for those who publicly support LGBTQ+ rights.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin had in May 2025 reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to passing the bill, despite growing international pressure and domestic debate over human rights implications.