Ghana: LGBT People

(asked on 18th November 2021) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to her counterpart in Ghana on the proposed Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill which would further criminalise LGBT+ people.


Answered by
Vicky Ford Portrait
Vicky Ford
This question was answered on 24th November 2021

The UK stands firm with LGBT+ individuals globally to affirm our commitment to the principle of non-discrimination on all grounds, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. We make regular representations about LGBT+ rights, including to the Government of Ghana. We work through our High Commission in Accra, as well as international organisations, to promote non-discrimination towards LGBT+ people, and to address discriminatory laws.

The UK acknowledges Ghana's democratic reputation and respects Ghana's Parliamentary process. However, we fully support the position of the United Nations Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights in condemning the discriminatory nature of the draft Private Members Bill on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values.

Ghana has historically been a champion of tolerance, inclusion and human rights. The UK encourages Ghana to reaffirm its opposition to all forms of discrimination and uphold the human rights provisions enshrined in Ghana's Constitution, the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the principles of both the African and Commonwealth Charters.

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