The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has commended the House for passing the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which eliminates the Death Penalty in Ghana.
Bagbin stated that the House has meticulously examined 14 of the 15 laws related to the Death Penalty. The last remaining law pertains to the Constitutional Article – Article 3(3) of the 1992 Constitution, which establishes the offense of high treason.
Recognizing the complexity of amending this entrenched clause, Bagbin appealed to the President to sign the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, thereby finalizing the abolition of the Death Penalty.
This protocol serves as a supplementary agreement to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Speaking in his closing remarks on the Parliament floor before the adjournment for the Second Meeting of the Third Session of the Eighth Parliament of Ghana, Bagbin highlighted that the passage of the Bill has propelled Ghana into a higher echelon of democratic nations.
“It is a resounding testament to the House’s dedication to human rights and democracy… and a clear declaration of our commitment to the rule of law,” he asserted.
Quoting Martin Luther King Jr., Bagbin emphasized, “The old law of an eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.”
He reiterated that through the Bill’s passage, the House has further illuminated Ghana’s pro-abolitionist stance adopted since 1993.
Bagbin implored the President to sign the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aligning with the spirit of the Amendment. This step would bring the abolition of the Death Penalty in Ghana to fruition.
The House also successfully passed the Anti-Witchcraft Accusation Bill, an achievement that resonated positively with the people of Ghana.
“We have advocated for the marginalized, the elderly, and their gratitude is genuine,” Bagbin expressed.
He underscored that the citizens of Ghana hold Parliament in high regard and are ready to support the House in fulfilling its mandate.
Bagbin noted that Ghanaians have closely followed the House’s progress, including the developments concerning the Proper Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.
He shared that the Muslim community in Ghana bestowed an award upon the House, a gesture of appreciation for Members’ efforts. Bagbin humorously remarked, “They wish they could place the award on all 275 heads in the House, but that’s not feasible. It ended up on my head, not yours, for today, and that’s why I’m adorned in this manner.”
“They recognize you, they thank you, they honor you for your contributions.”
The House is set to reconvene for the Third Meeting of its Third Session in the third week of October.