Ghana has abstained from a vote by the UN Human Rights Council that renewed the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The mandate is said to remind states of their obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights of people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
The vote took place on July 7, 2025, during the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council and was renewed despite Ghana's abstention.
Following a campaign by 1,259 non-governmental organizations from 157 states and territories, 29 members voted in favor of the renewal, 15 voted against, and 3, including Ghana abstained.
