The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has criticised Ghana’s decision to abstain from voting on the renewal of the UN mandate for the Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (IE SOGI). 

The vote took place during the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC59) in Geneva. CDM called the move a “dangerous dereliction of duty” and a “moral, cultural, and constitutional betrayal.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 15, CDM expressed disappointment that Ghana “chose silence” at a critical time when, in their words, the global stage demanded “clarity and conviction.” 

The group noted that while the government framed the abstention as a defence of neutrality, it was in fact “a calculated evasion of leadership.”

“This is not about protecting people from violence – a principle that no Ghanaian disputes,” the group stated. “It is about extending a mandate that consistently promotes legalising same-sex marriage, self-determined gender identity, and criminalising cultural definitions of family and sexuality.”

CDM argued that Ghana missed a vital opportunity to stand with other African nations that voted against the mandate. 

“It is a moment of shame for a country that once proudly declared its commitment to cultural integrity and family values,” the statement added.