Samuel Nartey George, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, has openly criticised Ghana’s recent abstention from a United Nations Human Rights Council vote concerning LGBTQ+ rights, arguing that it contradicts Ghana’s stated values and constitutional principles.
In a statement on Facebook sighted by NKONKONSA.com, Mr. George described Ghana’s decision to abstain from voting on draft resolution L.24 at the Council’s 59th session as “in conflict with Ghana’s espoused position and my conscience.” He insisted that Ghana’s stance on such matters should be “clear and unambiguous,” adding, “The innocence of Ghanaian children and the sanctity of our values cannot be traded for any consideration.”
Mr. George reaffirmed his unwavering position against LGBTQ+ rights, revealing that he and parliamentary colleagues have reintroduced the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, previously passed by Parliament but not signed into law by former President Nana Akufo-Addo. He is calling for expedited parliamentary approval to enable President John Dramani Mahama to sign the bill into law.
Amid public debate, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified Ghana’s abstention, denying reports that Ghana voted to support LGBTQ+ rights. In a statement dated July 9, the Ministry explained that the resolution pertained to renewing the mandate of the UN Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity—not the endorsement of LGBTQ+ rights.
The Ministry emphasized that Ghana’s abstention was guided by constitutional principles, particularly Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination on various grounds, including gender and social status. The statement noted: “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.”
Ghana’s Permanent Representative at the Human Rights Council clarified that the government defines gender strictly as “the male sex or female sex, especially when considered with reference to social and cultural differences.”
Despite the Ministry’s clarification, Sam George maintains that the abstention sends the wrong message, both domestically and internationally. He continues to advocate for the swift passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill to protect what he calls the “innocence of Ghanaian children” and uphold Ghana’s cultural values.
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Source:NKONKONSA.com
