Re-transmit anti-LGBT Bill for Presidential assent-Speaker Bagbin directs Clerk
Previously, the President's office declined to accept the Bill, citing an ongoing Supreme Court case questioning the Bill's legality. The Presidency stated it would not proceed with the Bill until the court case is resolved.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has instructed the Clerk of Parliament to resend the anti-LGBT Bill to the President for approval.
Previously, the President's office declined to accept the Bill, citing an ongoing Supreme Court case questioning the Bill's legality. The Presidency stated it would not proceed with the Bill until the court case is resolved.
At a press briefing on Wednesday in Accra, Mr. Bagbin called on the Supreme Court to handle the case swiftly, noting that it should be prioritized similarly to an ongoing case about the interpretation of Article 97, which concerns the conditions under which a parliamentary seat can be declared vacant.
Addressing concerns about a possible constitutional crisis due to the current impasse, Mr. Bagbin assured that Parliament remains fully functional, despite challenges. He emphasized that the situation does not threaten Ghana’s constitutional stability and urged the public to avoid undue alarm. "There is no constitutional crisis in this country. Stop the panic and fear-mongering," he stated.
However, Mr. Bagbin voiced concerns over what he perceives as an alliance between the Executive and Judiciary, which he believes could limit Parliament's independence. He argued that Parliament has the authority to declare seats vacant if Members of Parliament change party affiliations or announce intentions to run as independents in the upcoming elections.
