Ghana sidelined as African peers reject LGBTQ+ mandate – CDM

The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has questioned Ghana’s failure to stand in solidarity with other African countries at the recent Human Rights Council session. 

While countries like Nigeria, Morocco, Sudan, and Ethiopia voted “No” to renewing the controversial LGBTQ+ mandate, Ghana abstained. CDM described the decision as a signal of weakness and inconsistency on the international stage.

In a press statement on Tuesday, July 15, CDM said, “Ghana’s abstention sent the wrong signal – not just to our allies on the continent, but to Ghanaians who expect our government to stand firm, not flinch.” 

The group argued that abstaining was not a neutral act, but a diplomatic failure to assert cultural sovereignty.

CDM also accused the government of double standards, pointing out that the same administration actively supports the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill at home, while evading confrontation abroad. 

“Their duplicity is evident: bold in speeches at home, but silent when it matters most on the international stage,” the group said.

According to CDM, Ghana’s repeated abstentions on LGBTQ+ resolutions, including one in 2016 under former President John Mahama, reveal a pattern of avoidance rather than diplomatic balance. 

“This is not an isolated lapse but a historical reluctance to take a principled stand,” the group noted.

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