The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM), a civil society advocacy group, is demanding full transparency and accountability from the Ministry of Forei
The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM), a civil society advocacy group, is demanding full transparency and accountability from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following Ghana’s controversial abstention from a recent United Nations vote on the protection of LGBTQ+ rights
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, July 15, the CDM called on the government to publicly explain the rationale behind its abstention, which has sparked intense public debate and scrutiny.
The group is questioning whether due consultation was conducted with Parliament, religious leaders, civil society, and traditional authorities before the decision was taken.
The abstention in question relates to a UN Human Rights Council resolution that sought to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
While many African countries voted against the resolution, Ghana chose to abstain—an action that CDM describes as a “betrayal of national values” and a move that undermines Ghana’s long-standing cultural and moral identity.
“Ghana’s abstention sends mixed signals both to the international community and to Ghanaians,” the CDM statement read.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must clarify the government’s official position and detail the internal consultations, if any, that led to such a significant diplomatic choice.”
The CDM also directed sharp criticism at Ghana’s Parliament, particularly the Majority National Democratic Congress (NDC), urging lawmakers to stop what it described as “political posturing” and move decisively to pass the long-delayed Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, popularly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
While reaffirming its opposition to any form of violence or discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, CDM emphasized that Ghana’s values must not be dictated by international institutions.
“Upholding human dignity is not the same as surrendering cultural sovereignty,” the statement stressed. “Our sovereignty is not for sale; and our silence must never be mistaken for consent.”
The movement further called on religious and traditional leaders, as well as grassroots organizations, to intensify advocacy in defense of what they described as Ghana’s moral compass.
CDM insists that the current ambiguity surrounding the government’s position on LGBTQ+ rights could erode public trust and threaten national unity if not addressed promptly.
This is not the first time Ghana’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues has drawn attention on the international stage.
In early 2021, the opening of an LGBTQ+ office in Accra sparked widespread outrage, leading to its shutdown after pressure from religious leaders and conservative groups.
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