GENERAL NEWS

Ghana abstains from UN vote on LGBTQ+ rights amid push for criminalisation

Ghana has abstained from a United Nations Human Rights Council vote to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The vote, which took place on Monday, July 7, 2025, during the Council’s 59th session, saw 29 member states vote in favour, 15 against, while Ghana was among three countries that abstained.

The renewed mandate reinforces a global call for member states to uphold the human rights of people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, urging governments to respect, protect, and fulfill their obligations under international law.

Ghana’s decision to abstain comes against the backdrop of renewed domestic efforts to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities.

In May 2025, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, announced plans to reintroduce the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill, which had previously sparked both local and international debate.

The proposed legislation seeks to criminalise same-sex relationships, as well as the promotion, advocacy, or funding of LGBTQ+ causes.

If passed, the bill would increase the maximum prison sentence for same-sex sexual acts from three to five years and impose jail terms for those who publicly support or promote LGBTQ+ rights.

The UN vote followed a campaign by 1,259 non-governmental organisations across 157 countries and territories calling for the mandate’s renewal.

Despite Ghana’s abstention, the vote passed, reinforcing the international community’s commitment to combating violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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