Patrick Boamah
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Boamah, has raised serious concerns over Ghana’s abstention from a crucial vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), describing it as a worrying signal of the Mahama administration’s indecision on a culturally sensitive issue.
Ghana abstained during the Council’s 59th session on Monday, July 7, 2025, in a vote to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Out of the participating nations, 29 voted in favour of the renewal, 15 voted against, while Ghana was one of only three countries that abstained.
Mr. Boamah, who serves on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, said the Mahama-led government failed to show leadership on an issue that, in his view, goes beyond foreign policy and touches on Ghana’s cultural and constitutional values.
“We were promised by the government of the day that they were not going to support LGBTQ+ activities. So, we expected Ghana to take a firm position and vote against the resolution,” Boamah told journalists in Accra. “I was surprised and disappointed to see Ghana abstain.”
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker said he intends to file a formal question in Parliament to seek clarity from the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the rationale behind Ghana’s abstention.
“This isn’t just a diplomatic issue. It’s a cultural issue, a value issue, and a constitutional matter. Ghana had a clear opportunity to affirm its stance, and the government’s failure to act decisively is deeply troubling,” he emphasised.
Mr. Boamah’s comments come at a time when Parliament is preparing to receive the reintroduction of the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
The legislation, initially passed unanimously by Parliament on February 28, 2024, seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities as well as advocacy, promotion, and funding of such activities in the country. However, implementation of the bill has stalled amid legal challenges and strong opposition from international human rights groups.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, announced on May 28, 2025, that the bill would be reintroduced during the second meeting of the Ninth Parliament, setting the stage for further deliberations in the coming weeks.
“The government must be transparent about its foreign policy decisions, especially on matters that affect the core values of Ghanaians. Silence or neutrality is not an option when national identity and cultural values are at stake,” Mr. Boamah concluded.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House