Member of Parliament for Madina in the Greater Accra Region, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has premiered the official music video for his song Grace for Race on the GTV Breakfast Show on Monday, November 18, 2024.
The lawyer and politician used the launch to encourage Ghanaians, particularly his fellow politicians, to embrace the song, which carries an uplifting message.
He highlighted that the song’s lyrics are crafted to motivate and empower listeners to strive for progress in life.
In a post-launch interview with journalists, Sosu underscored the importance of God’s grace in achieving success, emphasising that it is a key factor in overcoming challenges and reaching one’s goals.
“The lyrics of my song, ‘Grace for Race’, focus on the need for God’s grace in every aspect of life,” he stated. “I believe strongly that, in life, everyone needs the grace of God. After all your hard work, you still need the grace of God.
No matter how intelligent or skilled you are, you need the grace of God. Whether you are a child, a parent, a worker, a politician, or anyone else, you need God’s grace.”
Lawyer Sosualso connected the message of his song to the forthcoming December 7, 2024, general elections, emphasizing that political campaigns and other pursuits need divine guidance for success.
He described the song as a heartfelt dedication to God and to everyone working diligently to achieve their dreams and aspirations in life.
“My song is a prayer for anyone facing challenges in life and seeking the grace of God. I believe those who listen to it regularly will find inspiration and empowerment to move forward,” he added.
Early on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, around 4 a.m., thieves broke into the office of Francis-Xavier Sosu, the Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, in the Greater Accra Region.
The intruders managed to steal the MP’s official laptop and mobile phone after tampering with the windows, though they could not access the inner office.
The Madina Divisional Police Command is investigating the break-in and has taken the MP’s private security personnel in for questioning.
The MP is unharmed and appreciates the support and solidarity from well-wishers during this time.
Member of Parliament for Madina and a Human Rights lawyer, Francis-Xavier Sosu has voiced concerns over the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection’s inadequate efforts in safeguarding vulnerable individuals in society.
Highlighting the recent UNICEF 2022 population and housing report’s revelation of two million child brides among 8.3 million total marriages in Ghana, Sosu emphasised the need for urgent action.
Despite Ghana’s constitution prohibiting all forms of child marriage, the concerning statistics underscore a persistent challenge.
Speaking on Ghana Tonight with Alfred Ocansey, Sosu expressed deep worry about the future of young girls and the nation as a whole.
“This is a very worrying trend and for me, I fear for the future of young girls in Ghana, and the future of Ghana because when you have a population that shows that females or women are more and we don’t have enough protection for our women. Then the country is heading to a doom because the female gender is not protected or supported,” Francis-Xavier Sosu stated.
He highlighted the critical role of protecting and supporting women, especially given their numerical strength in the population.
“At the end of the day, you want to count on the same people to be the future leaders or to actually be the people to anchor the future of our generation or the future of this nation, and I think that is a very worrying trend.”
Drawing attention to a specific case of a 12-year-old girl married to a 63-year-old Nungua Gborbu Wulomo, Sosu urged the Ministry to prioritise the protection of vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.
He challenged the Ministry to step up its efforts, noting a perceived lack of progress in the past seven years.
“I want to challenge the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection that they need to really up their games. I mean in the last seven years, I haven’t seen the ministry done much in protecting the vulnerable class, particularly women and children, and that is very worrying.”
Additionally, Sosu hinted at petitioning the Inspector General of Police (IGP) regarding the aforementioned case.
He called for the arrest and prosecution of the individual involved, emphasising that marriage should only occur between consenting adults, not involving minors.
Sosu’s strong stance underscores the urgency of addressing child marriage and enhancing protections for vulnerable groups in Ghana.”
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Madina and Human Rights lawyer, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has urged the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to strengthen their efforts in safeguarding the vulnerable in society.
Highlighting a concerning trend revealed in UNICEF’s 2022 population and housing report, which unveiled two instances of child brides among 8.3 million marriages in Ghana, Sosu emphasized the need for decisive action.
Despite constitutional provisions against all forms of child marriage, Mr Sosu expressed deep concern over the lack of adequate protection for young girls in Ghana, stressing the importance of safeguarding their future.
In a call to action directed at the Ministry, Sosu underscored the urgency for enhanced efforts in protecting vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, criticizing what he perceives as a lack of substantial progress over the past seven years.
“This is a very worrying trend and for me, I fear for the future of young girls in Ghana, and the future of Ghana because when you have a population that shows that females or women are more and we don’t have enough protection for our women. Then the country is heading to a doom because the female gender is not protected or supported.
“At the end of the day, you want to count on the same people to be the future leaders or to actually be the people to anchor the future of our generation or the future of this nation, and I think that is a very worrying trend.” he stated.
Regarding the controversial case of a 12-year-old girl marrying a 63-year-old Nungua Gborbu Wulomo, Sosu urged the Ministry to intervene decisively.
He expressed intentions to petition the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and demanded the arrest and prosecution of the priest involved, emphasizing that marriage by law entails a union between two consenting adults.
Meanwhile, the Police Service has confirmed the rescue of the 12-year-old girl and her mother, assuring they are under police protection.
The Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has lodged a formal complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) seeking the apprehension, inquiry, and prosecution of Gborbu Wulomo, a 63-year-old traditional leader, for marrying a 12-year-old girl.
The 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo, known as Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, has come under intense scrutiny following the circulation of a video showing his marriage to Naa Okromo, a 12-year-old girl. The controversial traditional wedding took place on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Nungua.
In defense, Gborbu Wulomo asserted that the young girl would not be expected to assume marital responsibilities.
However, Mr. Xavier-Sosu, in his petition to the Director General of the Criminal Investigation Department on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, contended that such a union violates both local statutes and international standards safeguarding children’s welfare.
He labeled the marriage as “unlawful, void, and against the law,” stressing that under Ghanaian legislation, individuals under the age of 18 are prohibited from entering into marriage.
Mr. Sosu cited Ghana’s adherence to various international treaties condemning child marriages, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
Furthermore, he underscored that not only does the marriage contravene international law, but it also infringes upon Ghana’s Children’s Act of 1998, which stipulates the legal age for marriage as 18 years old.
Mr. Sosu urged the CID Director General to take prompt action to safeguard the rights and well-being of children in Ghana.
“ARTICLE 16 OF THE CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN (CEDAW) states that women should have the same right as men to “freely choose a spouse and to enter into marriage only with their free and full consent”, and that the “betrothal and marriage of a child shall have no legal effect and all necessary action, including legislation, shall be taken to specify a minimum age for marriage.“In addition to the above, I wish to respectfully state that, beyond the realm of International Law, Ghana has taken further steps to criminalise Child Marriages and Betrothals in all its ramifications. In Particular, ARTICLE 28 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution defines a child as a person below the age of eighteen years. In the spirit of Article 28 every child and young person must “receive special protection against exposure to physical and moral hazards”
The Member of Parliament, Francis-Xavier Sosu, is making efforts to ensure he gets in touch with his constituents, those in localised and far-reaching areas to be abreast of their wellbeing.
In a video shared on his X platform, the MP had to jump a gutter with no safe medium of commuting across to engage those who have been marginalised.
According to the MP, it is his aim to “reach the unreachable.”
“We must confront the barriers that obstruct our path—be they social injustices, systemic inequalities, or technological limitations. We must extend our hands to those who have been marginalized, ensuring no one is left behind,” he added.
While some netizens have lauded the MP for making the effort to ensure no one is left behind, others have entreated him to construct a sizeable bridge that would see residents cross the gutter with ease and ensure their safety.
A human rights lawyer and Member of Parliament (MP) representing Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu has signaled his intention to potentially petition the ECOWAS court to compel President Akufo-Addo to sign both the witchcraft bill and the armed forces amendment bill into law.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the reasons provided by President Akufo-Addo for withholding assent, Sosu emphasised the importance of these bills in alignment with international conventions, particularly the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
“I will appeal to the President to assent to the witchcraft bill as well as the armed forces amendment bill. The reason the President is giving is honestly not reasonable. It is also the same with the witchcraft bill because the anti-witchcraft bill is a bill that is consistent with the UN Convention on elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.
“In my case, I am considering an action at the ECOWAS court for a declaration that the President’s continuous withholding of assent to those two critical bills that I led amounts to a violation of both our constitution and the human rights provisions in the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights in the UN Convention,” hFrancis Xavier-Sosu told TV3.
Highlighting the significance of the bills, especially the anti-witchcraft legislation, Sosu remarked that their enactment would reflect positively on the President’s legacy.
Sosu, who has championed numerous private member’s bills in Parliament, criticized President Akufo-Addo for what he perceives as a lack of transparency regarding his refusal to sign the bills, clarifying that Article 108 of the Constitution does not apply to the executive branch.
Despite his efforts, Sosu expressed doubts about the feasibility of garnering the necessary two-thirds majority in Parliament to override the President’s decision.
Francis-Xavier Sosu, Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency in Ghana, has taken his advocacy against the death penalty to the global stage.
Speaking at the 2024 visiting scholar program at Center College in Danville, Kentucky, and at the University of South in Sewanee, Tennessee, USA, Sosu charged the United States to abolish its death penalty laws.
As a visiting professor, Sosu addressed convocations on the theme “Championing a Free, Fair, and Just Society through Human Rights Advocacy: Chronicles of a Lawyer, Legislator, and Activist.”
He highlighted the recent abolition of the death penalty in Ghana, replacing it with life imprisonment for ordinary crimes, despite being a signatory to international human rights treaties.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, in my journey of activism, I have over the years spoken up against various ills in society, and championed the rights of many persons in Ghana. I have confronted and kicked against treatments meted out as a result of one’s vulnerability, social status, economic or financial incapacity, and cultural practices, among others.
“For instance, I have spoken up against injustices and corrupt practices in our Judiciary; against the continued retainment of the death penalty in our statute books and imposition of same by Courts in Ghana; advocated strongly for the removal of taxes on menstrual hygiene products; participated in demonstrations and advocated for increased access to legal education in Ghana; among others,” he said.
In the United States, the death penalty can only be imposed on defendants convicted of capital offenses, such as murder, treason, genocide, or the killing or kidnapping of a Congressman, the President, or a Supreme Court justice. Despite many states halting its use, the federal government may still implement it.
In Ghana, the death penalty was imposed for murder, attempt to commit murder, genocide, or piracy and smuggling of gold or diamond. However, Ghana’s Parliament passed the Criminal Offences Amendment Act 2022, replacing the death penalty with life imprisonment.
Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu at 2024 visiting scholar program
On January 24, 2024, the High Court sentenced six of the coup plotters to death by hanging. The Court, however, acquitted Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Agordzo, Colonel Samuel Kodzo Gameli, and one other junior military officer, Corporal Seidu Abubakar.
Mr Sosu expressed dissatisfaction with the death sentences handed to six coup plotters in Ghana and announced plans to escalate the issue to the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
He described the verdict as ‘disheartening’ and emphasized the need for Ghana to review its laws.
Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu, spoke at the 2024 visiting scholar program at Center College, Danville, Kentucky, and at the University of South, Sewanee, Tennessee, in the United States of America.
As a visiting professor, he had the privilege to speak at convocations on the theme: Championing a Free Fair and Just Society through Human Rights Advocacy: Chronicles of a Lawyer, Legislator and Activist.
He discussed the intersection between law, lawmaking, law enforcement and activism as guides of social advancement and how his background as a street child, adopted into an orphanage and becoming a lawyer inspired his human rights practice and how he translated human rights activism into legislative intervention.
The legislator took time to discuss the 17 private member bills he has initiated, some by himself alone and others with colleagues. The lecture also discussed the three Bills passed and the one that has presidential assent to abolish the death penalty under the Criminal Offenses Act.
“I spent many years as a street child before finding refuge at the Village of Hope Orphanage, which was a project of Churches of Christ in Ghana. My educational journey led me to graduate from the University of Ghana and the Ghana School of Law, eventually becoming a member of the Ghana Bar in 2010. Before embarking on my legal career, I was deeply involved in student activism, advocating for change in various aspects of leadership in Ghana for over two decades. Currently, I serve as a legislator, human rights lawyer, activist, author, the 2nd Vice President of the United Nations Association of Ghana, and play key roles in my fight,” he said.
Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu, spoke at the 2024 visiting scholar program at Center College, Danville, Kentucky, and at the University of South, Sewanee, Tennessee, in the United States of America.
As a visiting professor, he had the privilege to speak at convocations on the theme: Championing a Free Fair and Just Society through Human Rights Advocacy: Chronicles of a Lawyer, Legislator and Activist.
He discussed the intersection between law, lawmaking, law enforcement and activism as guides of social advancement and how his background as a street child, adopted into an orphanage and becoming a lawyer inspired his human rights practice and how he translated human rights activism into legislative intervention.
The legislator took time to discuss the 17 private member bills he has initiated, some by himself alone and others with colleagues. The lecture also discussed the three Bills passed and the one that has presidential assent to abolish the death penalty under the Criminal Offenses Act.
Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu at 2024 visiting scholar program
He also delivered lectures in several classes on the topic “The nexus between Servant Leadership, Good Governance, and Development.”
Mr Francis-Xavier emphasised that servant leadership is the best model to guarantee good governance principles because it assures and ensures “accountability, openness, and independence of state institutions” thereby “propelling inclusive development where everyone, regardless of their backgrounds, can fully achieve their individual potential.”
Sharing his views on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, the Madina MP asserted that in order for informal economies to be successfully incorporated, governments need to ensure transparency, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law in their policies and practices.
This presentation was inspired by his doctoral thesis in the area of international economic law, with an emphasis on regional integration laws.
He poked about the need for Africa to take a step back to harmonize its regional integration efforts as an aid to the AfCFTA Agreement to achieve economic integration and discussed the new conceptual framework for integration in Africa that he has developed.
“Under this conceptual framework, the regional economic communities recognized by the AU must be harmonized under the AFCFTA, and the AFCFTA must have a supranational status. Informal economies must be incorporated under the AfCFTA and there must be political accountability and commitment to ensure this model succeeds for Africa to integrate economically,” he said.
Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu at 2024 visiting scholar program
Mr Sosu warned Africa against potential economic globalization by China and the urgent need for African leaders to embrace this new AFCFTA conceptual model to accelerate Africa’s economic integration and transformation.
The Madina legislator ended the day by spending time with students and faculty members to interact and discuss Ghana as the leading democracy in Africa. This gave him the opportunity to sell Ghana to most students who have signed up to study abroad in Ghana this fall and in the fall of 2025.
He also had opportunities to discuss the possibilities for Ghanaian students, particularly those from the Madina Constituency, to take advantage of the exchange programs to study at the two colleges.
Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu, is of the firm belief that servant leadership is the most effective model for ensuring good governance.
Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy in which the leader’s primary goal is to serve others, rather than accrue power or status for themselves.
He made his surmise while speaking at the 2024 visiting scholar program at Center College, Danville, Kentucky, and at the University of South, Sewanee, Tennessee, in the United States of America.
He delivered lectures in several classes on the topic “The nexus between Servant Leadership, Good Governance, and Development.”
Mr Francis-Xavier emphasised that servant leadership is the best model to guarantee good governance principles because it assures and ensures “accountability, openness, and independence of state institutions” thereby “propelling inclusive development where everyone, regardless of their backgrounds, can fully achieve their individual potential.”
As a visiting professor, he had the privilege to speak at convocations on the theme: Championing a Free Fair and Just Society through Human Rights Advocacy: Chronicles of a Lawyer, Legislator and Activist.
He discussed the intersection between law, lawmaking, law enforcement and activism as guides of social advancement and how his background as a street child, adopted into an orphanage and becoming a lawyer inspired his human rights practice and how he translated human rights activism into legislative intervention.
Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu at 2024 visiting scholar program
He took time to discuss the 17 Private Members Bills he has initiated, some by myself alone and other with colleagues. The lecture also discussed the three Bills passed and the one that has presidential assent to abolish the death penalty under the Criminal Offenses Act.
Sharing his views on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, the Madina MP asserted that in order for informal economies to be successfully incorporated, governments need to ensure transparency, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law in their policies and practices.
This presentation was inspired by his doctoral thesis in the area of international economic law, with an emphasis on regional integration laws.
He poked about the need for Africa to take a step back to harmonize its regional integration efforts as an aid to the AfCFTA Agreement to achieve economic integration and discussed the new conceptual framework for integration in Africa that he has developed.
“Under this conceptual framework, the regional economic communities recognized by the AU must be harmonized under the AFCFTA, and the AFCFTA must have a supranational status. Informal economies must be incorporated under the AfCFTA and there must be political accountability and commitment to ensure this model succeeds for Africa to integrate economically,” he said.
Mr Sosu warned Africa against potential economic globalization by China and the urgent need for African leaders to embrace this new AFCFTA conceptual model to accelerate Africa’s economic integration and transformation.
Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu at 2024 visiting scholar program
The Madina legislator also spent time with students and faculty members to interact and discuss Ghana as the leading democracy in Africa. This gave him the opportunity to sell Ghana to most students who have signed up to study abroad in Ghana this fall and in the fall of 2025.
He also had opportunities to discuss the possibilities for Ghanaian students, particularly those from the Madina Constituency, to take advantage of the exchange programs to study at the two colleges.
Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has asserted that in order for informal economies to be successfully incorporated into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, governments need to ensure transparency, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law in their policies and practices.
Speaking at the 2024 visiting scholar program at Center College, Danville, Kentucky, and at the University of South, Sewanee, Tennessee in the United States of America, the Human Rights lawyer made a presentation titled “The New Paradigm of Integration of Africa.”
This presentation was inspired by his doctoral thesis in the area of international economic law, with an emphasis on regional integration laws.
He poked about the need for Africa to take a step back to harmonize its regional integration efforts as an aid to the AfCFTA Agreement to achieve economic integration and discussed the new conceptual framework for integration in Africa that he has developed.
“Under this conceptual framework, the regional economic communities recognized by the AU must be harmonized under the AFCFTA, and the AFCFTA must have a supranational status. Informal economies must be incorporated under the AfCFTA and there must be political accountability and commitment to ensure this model succeeds for Africa to integrate economically,” he said.
Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu at 2024 visiting scholar program
Mr Sosu warned Africa against potential economic globalization by China and the urgent need for African leaders to embrace this new AFCFTA conceptual model to accelerate Africa’s economic integration and transformation.
He also delivered lectures in several classes on the topic “The nexus between Servant Leadership, Good Governance, and Development.”
The lectures discussed different leadership models and focused on servant leadership as the best model to guarantee good governance principles such as accountability, openness, and independence of state institutions and thereby propel inclusive development where everyone, regardless of their backgrounds, can fully achieve their individual potential.
The Madina legislator also spent time with students and faculty members to interact and discuss Ghana as the leading democracy in Africa. This gave him the opportunity to sell Ghana to most students who have signed up to study abroad in Ghana this fall and in the fall of 2025.
He also had opportunities to discuss the possibilities for Ghanaian students, particularly those from the Madina Constituency, to take advantage of the exchange programs to study at the two colleges.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has introduced a new bill in Parliament aimed at amending the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30).
The proposed amendment introduces community service and a Bond of Good Behaviour as alternatives to traditional custodial sentences and fines, particularly for minor offenses.
Mr. Sosu initiated the bill on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. Community service, in the context of criminal justice, involves individuals who have committed offenses performing unpaid work or service for the benefit of the community.
This can include activities such as cleaning public spaces, participating in environmental projects, working in community centers, or assisting with social services.
A Bond of Good Behaviour, on the other hand, is a court-ordered condition imposed on individuals involved in criminal activity. It is part of a sentence and is intended to ensure that the person behaves lawfully and responsibly during a specified period.
In a statement regarding the amendment, the MP highlighted that community service or the Bond of Good Behaviour would offer offenders the opportunity to contribute their time and efforts to community-oriented projects.
“In the first place, this proposal provides an alternative to Custodial Sentence and Fines: Community service and Bond of Good behaviour serve as an alternative to traditional forms of punishment, such as imprisonment or payment of fines. It allows offenders to remain in the community while still being held accountable for their actions. This also helps to decongest the prisons. As at December 2023, Ghana’s prison population stands at 13,200 despite an authorized capacity of 9,945 giving an overcrowding rate of 32.65 percent. An introduction of Community Service would go a long way to resolve this challenge.”
“Again, with the punishment evolving, Restorative Justice is currently the way to go: Community service and Bond of Good behaviour are a perfect example of restorative justice where the community turns to benefit directly from offenders. Through the unpaid services to the community, offenders are given the opportunity to repair the harm they caused to individuals or the community, fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability,” he stated.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has presented a new bill to Parliament aimed at amending the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30).
The proposed changes introduce community service and a Bond of Good Behaviour as alternatives to traditional custodial sentences and fines for minor offenses.
Mr. Sosu introduced the bill on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.
In the realm of criminal justice, community service serves as an alternative form of sentencing, involving individuals who have committed offenses in performing unpaid work or service for the benefit of the community.
This could include tasks such as cleaning public spaces, participating in environmental projects, working in community centers, assisting with social services, or engaging in other activities that contribute to community well-being.
Conversely, a Bond of Good Behaviour refers to a court-ordered condition imposed on individuals involved in criminal activities. Typically a part of the sentencing process, this requirement ensures that the person behaves lawfully and responsibly during a specified period.
According to the MP’s statement on the amendment, the introduction of community service or the Bond of Good Behaviour provides an opportunity for offenders to contribute their time and efforts to community-oriented projects or organizations. This approach aims to address the consequences of their actions, promote rehabilitation, and enhance overall community well-being.
Mr. Sosu emphasized the proposal’s benefits, stating, “In the first place, this proposal provides an alternative to Custodial Sentence and Fines: Community service and Bond of Good behaviour serve as an alternative to traditional forms of punishment, such as imprisonment or payment of fines. It allows offenders to remain in the community while still being held accountable for their actions. This also helps to decongest the prisons. As at December 2023, Ghana’s prison population stands at 13,200 despite an authorized capacity of 9,945 giving an overcrowding rate of 32.65 percent. An introduction of Community Service would go a long way to resolve this challenge.”
He further highlighted the evolving nature of punishment, stating, “Again, with the punishment evolving, Restorative Justice is currently the way to go: Community service and Bond of Good behaviour are a perfect example of restorative justice where the community turns to benefit directly from offenders. Through the unpaid services to the community, offenders are given the opportunity to repair the harm they caused to individuals or the community, fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability,” he stated.
Lead counsel for the spokeswoman for the New Force political movement, Shalimar Abbiusi, has described as disgraceful the manner in which his client was forced to leave the country following a legal case.
Mr Francis-Xavier Sosu, while engaging Citinews noted that information reaching him indicates that Shalimar was escorted to board the Brussels Airline to Belgium on Tuesday evening, December 19.
According to him, this act contravenes her fundamental human rights, as she should have been allowed to choose her destination since she was not deported.
“I picked information that sometime last night, she was being escorted to board the Brussels Airline to Belgium. But clearly, this is so shameful and disgraceful.
“Because she was not deported from Ghana and there was no deportation order by the Minister but an Executive Instrument. So holding her and even denying her access to her lawyers and even her Family and escorting her with men in uniform was a violation. When you revoked the person’s visa and said that leave our jurisdiction within 24 hours, she could move from Ghana to Togo. She has the Liberty to move anywhere else that she can go,” he said.
This followed her re-arrest on December 19, after the Ghana Immigration Service revoked her permit.
The Kaneshie District Court discharged the Belgian national on Tuesday as state prosecutors decided to drop the charge related to obtaining a student permit under false declaration.
Shalimar, as per the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), had stated in her documents that she was a student of the Ghana Christian University College. However, upon investigation, this claim was found to be false.
Despite being relieved when the charges were dropped, Shalimar’s freedom was short-lived as she was re-arrested. The state had made travel arrangements, giving her 24 hours to leave the country.
In a recent video shared by Joy News on Twitter, a dramatic scene unfolded during the arrest of Shalimar Abbiusi, spokesperson for the New Force, as her legal team, led by Human Rights lawyer Francis-Xavier Sosu, attempted to prevent her detention by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS).
The footage captures Shalimar being pushed into a GIS vehicle by officers, with Francis-Xavier vehemently trying to intervene.
Another person, believed to be part of the GIS team, not in uniform, held onto Francis, pulling him away from the car.
In response, Mr Sosu angrily turned, pushing back at the man and questioning the manner of their actions.
“is this how you do your work? is that how you do your work? you are saying that the person’s permit….is that how you do your work?”. he shouted, expressing concern about the handling of Shalimar’s arrest.
The unidentified GIS member is seen asking Mr Sosu to “stop! stop! stop!”, while another lawyer from Shalimar’s legal team confronted the GIS personnel, questioning their conduct, by asking, “why are you abusing him?”
New Force Spokesperson, Shalimar Abbuissi re-arrested by Ghana Immigration Service after the state prosecutors dropped charges against her in court. #JoyNewspic.twitter.com/Nb6TizvdDt
Shalimar’s reported parents were also seen in the background crying and attempting to also prevent her arrest.
This is the second time during the course of this case that Sosu has been captured on camera “fighting tooth and nail” for his client after a court proceeding.
The previous episode occurred on December 11, 2023, at the Kaneshie District Court, following the granting of bail to Shalimar Abbiusi.
Mr Francis-Xavier Sosu clashed with a representative from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) over the terms of Shalimar’s release.
Despite the court’s decision to grant bail, the NIB official insisted on taking Shalimar back into custody immediately. Francis Xavier vehemently opposed this, arguing that once bail was granted, she was free to go home once the necessary formalities were guaranteed.
The disagreement led to a verbal exchange and a brief standoff on the court’s stairs.
In a video posted on X by @metrotvgh on December 11, Sosu is seen having a brief verbal exchange with the NIB representative, who seemed visibly unhappy about Sosu’s opposition, as they both descended a flight of stairs.
“…if you say that, we can follow you,” Sosu is heard saying. The NIB rep in response said: “I brought her here.” “But the court has released her,” Sosu replied.
Amid the legal turmoil, it is reported that the Ghana Immigration Service has revoked Shalimar Abbiusi’s residency permit, and she is set to be deported soon.
Before her recent arrest, the charges against her, related to allegedly obtaining a student residency permit by false declaration, were dropped earlier today upon the prosecution’s request.
The court also further directed the release of Shalimar’s seized iPhone 13 Pro, citing no incriminating evidence found.
The legal battles surrounding Shalimar Abbiusi have raised concerns about power abuse, perceived political persecution, and multiple human rights violations, according to a press release by the New Force on December 7.
#TheNewForce: Shalimar Abbiusi has finally been released by the BNI, who initially hesitated to do so, after the court granted her a Ghc20K bail
Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, who is also the primary advocate for the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2023, has voiced his dismay over the president’s decision to withhold assent from the legislation.
He contends that the president opted to politicize the bill instead of prioritizing the well-being of vulnerable women.
“I think that he [President] is being misled or better still he is choosing politics over the protection of human rights. He is choosing politics over the protection of women’s rights. He is choosing politics over protecting vulnerable women in various witch camps probably dying on a daily basis,” he said.
During an interview on JoyFM’s Newsnight on Monday, December 18, 2023, he shared his reservations. These remarks come in the wake of President Akufo-Addo’s decision to withhold assent to the bill, citing constitutional concerns related to Article 108.
The Madina MP expressed dissatisfaction with the President’s rationale, finding it unclear. He pointed out that in 2021, President Akufo-Addo had supported the bill and advocated for a bipartisan approach to its passage. Therefore, it seemed perplexing that the President was now citing Article 108 as a basis for his refusal.
The Madina MP emphasized that all legal procedures were diligently followed, with the active involvement of the Attorney General. Consequently, he found it challenging to comprehend the President’s expressed concerns.
Mr Sosu said, “For me, for the President to choose petty partisanship over the protection of the greater good of our society, the human rights of our people. For me, it is quite sad.”
“You will recall that when this bill was sent to the president, I mean on the second of August, the president assented through the bill that abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes under the Criminal Offences Act.”
“It was only when the other bills were presented that he refused to assent to the others and then decided to withdraw assent for the first one. So, the whole thing does not even make sense to me,” he lamented.
On December 4, President Akufo-Addo disclosed his inability to sign into law certain crucial bills passed by Parliament, citing specific constitutional concerns. Notably, among these bills are the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2023 and the Armed Forces Amendment Bill 2023.
In July, Parliament approved the Armed Forces Bill, aiming to amend sections of Act 29 and the Armed Forces Act, 1962 (Act 105), with the intent of replacing the Death Penalty with life imprisonment.
The Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2023 addresses various issues, including the prohibition of declaring, accusing, naming, or labeling an individual as a witch, among other related matters. Despite parliamentary approval, the President’s hesitance to sign these bills revolves around constitutional considerations.
The Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has introduced a new bill aiming to amend the country’s Public Holidays Act 2001, Act 601.
The proposed amendment includes the addition of two Islamic public holidays, Tashreeq (a day after the Eid-al-Adha Festival) and Shaqq (a day before the Eid-al-Fitr).
The bill was submitted to the Clerk of Parliament on November 29, 2023, and is currently in the processing stage.
According to Sosu, the amendment aims to create a more progressive, productive, and inclusive society by extending the public holidays for Muslims from one day to two days for each Islamic festivity.
“The right of every Ghanaian to freedom of religion is a fundamental one. In Article 21(c) every Ghanian has the freedom to practice any religion and to manifest any religion. Being the 2nd dominant religion in Ghana, Ghanaian Muslims must have equal opportunities when it comes to the celebration of religious festivals.”
“After 40 days of mandatory religious obligation of fasting, practitioners of Islamic Religion deserve an additional day for rest and to prepare for full activities,” he said.
“The religious significance of these holidays is to afford Muslims the opportunity to fully manifest and observe their faith, and offer gratitude to Allah for all that He has done, granted them, and continues to do; as well as for them to fully place and restore their trust in Allah and His abundant care, Grace and wisdom,” he added.
Mr. Sosu highlighted that the existing system was deemed unfair and discriminatory, limiting the expression of the Islamic faith in accordance with constitutional guarantees and international laws.
“When passed, this Act will go a long way to promote religious tolerance and help realise, promote and guarantee a more open, progressive, inclusive and secure society,” he added.
The Member of Parliament (MP) representing Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has accused the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) of defying a court order to release Shalimar Abbiusi, the spokesperson of The New Force, who was granted bail.
Addressing the media after the court proceedings on Monday, December 11, 2023, Sosu, also Abbiusi’s legal representative, characterized the continued detention of The New Force spokesperson as an abuse of power.
He contested the security officials’ assertion that the 30-year-old Belgian, Abbiusi, needed to be held in custody due to national security concerns.
“The court has taken note of the fact that immigration has already had her passport. So, she is not a flight risk. So, what would be the reasons why you would continue to want to detain the person?
“For me, that would be an abuse of power and it would undermine the respect for human rights. It would undermine the respect for the dignity of a person. And it would undermine the very constitution that we all subscribe to,” he said.
Sosu added, “Because when you arrest a person within 24 hours you should deal with the person. 48 hours is the maximum the person must be released. But you keep the person for seven days for a misdemeanour and the court admits the person to bail and you still want to keep the person”.
The lawmaker from Madina added that they would need to re-arrest his client if national security desired to keep her under custody.
“That (the National Security taking her away) would amount to contempt of court. In fact, that would be unlawful. It would be an upfront to the decision of the court today. Unless someone is saying she is being rearrested in which case you have to let us know the reason for the arrest.
“… when a person has not committed any offence and you bring the person to the court on specific facts and the court reviews the facts and admits the person to bail, we expected that you would respect the decision of the court. Otherwise, that would not be the rule of law, that would rule of the gaggle,” he explained.
He added that all sureties who would sign the bail conditions of his client to be released are ready.
About the arrest
Shalimar Abbiusi, a 30-year-old Belgian woman who rose to prominence as the subject of a short, viral video announcing “The New Force,” was detained by the Ghana Immigration Service.
Abbiusi was placed under arrest while her immigration status in the nation was being investigated.
The Immigration Service took notice of Abbiusi’s activities on social media, particularly her role as the spokesperson for “The New Force.”
Following an invitation by the Head of the National Enforcement Section at the Immigration Headquarters to address concerns about her immigration status, Shalimar Abbiusi was arrested.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that Abbiusi initially entered Ghana on September 4, 2017, through the Kotoka International Airport and was a frequent visitor until 2018 when she claimed residency as a student at the Ghana Christian University College.
However, inquiries from the college exposed that Abbiusi had never been a student, and the documents purportedly issued by the institution to support her application for a residence permit were forged.
Facing charges related to immigration offenses, Abbiusi has been arraigned before the court for remand into Immigration custody. On December 11, 2023, the court granted her bail after she pleaded not guilty to the charges, including one count of obtaining a student permit by false declaration, as per section 52 (1) (i) of the Immigration Act 2000 (Act 573).
The Member of Parliament for the Madina constituency in Accra, Francis-Xavier Sosu of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has accused President Akufo-Addo of attempting to impede the work of Parliament by not signing into law three bills passed by the House.
President Akufo-Addo has decided to withhold his signature from three bills recently passed by Parliament. The president cited constitutional concerns as the basis for his refusal to sign these bills.
The contested bills include two amendments to the Criminal and other Offences Act, aiming to criminalize the accusation of witchcraft, abolish the death penalty, and the Wildlife Resources Bill.
Mr Sosu argues that the President is selectively interpreting Article 108 of the constitution to serve his own interests.
Speaking to the media in Parliament on Tuesday, December 5, Mr Sosu clarified that Article 108, often cited as limiting Private Member Bills, is not relevant to President Akufo-Addo’s obligation to sign bills passed by Parliament.
He emphasized that Article 108 pertains to the regulation of the parliamentary process, allowing the presiding individual to reject a bill if there is a belief that it may impose charges on the consolidated fund.
“But when the motion has properly been admitted, has gone through all the processes, and has been passed into law, it will be really incongruous for a sitting president to say that because he believes it may cause a charge,” he said.
“All this while, where has the president been, all these constitutional issues have not been with us.
“I believe that what the president is doing is a deliberate effort to frustrate the laws that have been passed by this Parliament and it is very untenable, it’s unacceptable, I don’t believe that it’s a good practice that would aid our democracy,” Mr Sosu stressed.
Madina member of parliament, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has condemned President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for refusing to sign the Witchcraft and two other bills.
Francis-Xavier Sosu criticized the president’s denial, describing it as “highly regressive and indicative of a lack of good faith.”
The bills under consideration include the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2022; the Criminal Offences Amendment Number Two Bill, 2023; and the Armed Forces Amendment Bill.
Reacting to the president’s letter outlining his decision, Sosu conveyed his surprise, especially regarding the claim of constitutional violations. He emphasized that both bills had successfully passed through consensus at committee and plenary levels, making their rejection at this juncture perplexing.
“It is quite strange that at this last stage, the President would say that the bill has violated some Constitutional provisions. Once a bill has been admitted and has gone through all the processes and passed, it has become an act of Parliament. And no provision in the Constitution says that when an act has been by Parliament, the President can choose not to assent to the act on grounds that that act or its enforcement will in some respect have a charge on the Consolidated Fund,” he said.
Sosu highlighted how the president had misunderstood Article 108 and claimed that the bills, which sought to address social issues that affected members who were more vulnerable, had been incorrectly rejected.
“So, the president misconstrued article 108 when he gave that as a basis to refuse an assent and it is quite retrogressive and unfortunate. Unfortunate because we are talking about a social problem that is destroying people, the life of most vulnerable people of our society — elderly women, widows, marginalised,” he said.
He emphasized that the dismissal was “backward and regrettable,” particularly considering the significance of the bills in addressing human rights abuses.
Sosu censured the president for not furnishing specific reasons and recommended amendments within the constitutionally stipulated 14 days, opting for a general statement instead.
He underscored the bills’ international acclaim during the Universal Peer Review in Geneva, where Ghana’s Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, recognized them as progressive measures addressing human rights abuses.
Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has recounted what stands to be one of his most keen political contests ever since he stepped into the political landscape.
He juxtaposes this contest with the battle between Israel’s David and Gath’s Goliath.
In an interview on The Independent Ghana’s Personality Profile show, Mr Sosu mentioned that the 2020 parliamentary election against the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Abubakar Sadick is so far the fiercest contest he has encountered so far.
Prior to this contest, he lost narrowly in a similar primary against the then incumbent Amadu Bukari Sorogho.
Mr Sosu polled 1,486 votes as against the 1,738 votes polled by Mr Sorogho who had been representing the constituency since 2005 but eventually lost to Abubakar Sadick in the 2016 general elections.
For Mr Sosu, that was a “slim” victory for Mr Sorogho. He decided to try his luck again and became the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for Madina in 2020.
This time around, he came up against Abubakar Sadick, the former Minister for Zongo and Inner City Development, whom he beat by getting 62,127 votes against his 46,985 votes to be declared a member of parliament elect for the Madina Constituency.
Recounting his victory, Mr Sosu said, “So what happened in 2020 was me getting back the 9000 votes and adding about 17,000 votes. Which was also a major point for the National Democratic Congress because Hon. Boniface Abubakar was no mere small politician.”
For Mr Sosu, the victory meant so much to him, as his contender “had been a Minister of State and a very experienced person in politics.”
“I was a novice. It was a typical David and Goliath battle. But as destiny will always have it, David will always prevail. So I think God was able to give me that very resounding victory for me to get the chance to represent the good people of Madina,” he added.
Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has introduced the Labour (Amendment) Bill, 2023, aimed at modifying Section 57(1) of the Labour Act.
The proposed changes seek to extend the maternity leave period from 12 weeks to 16 weeks, effectively stretching it from three months to four months.
Additionally, the bill provides for an extra two weeks in cases of caesarean deliveries, stillbirths, or multiple births, and addresses related matters.
The Madina legislator also intends to amend Section 20 of the Labour Act to introduce paternity leave, with a minimum duration of seven days and a maximum period of four weeks. This amendment also allows for an additional two weeks in instances of caesarean deliveries, stillbirths, or the birth of multiple children by the spouse.
Francis-Xavier Sosu argues that both maternity and paternity leave are essential to ensure that both parents have the opportunity to welcome and bond with the newest member of the family. While maternity leave is mandatory in Ghana, paternity leave often goes overlooked.
“The father of the child at times is locked out of this exciting and important moment and the only chance he has is after working hours when he is already tired and exhausted.
“As such, the exclusion and silence of the law in regards to paternity leave are unfair and a clear indication of discrimination against men considering that fathers would also like to have a chance to familiarize themselves with the changes a newborn brings to a home.”
On a global scale, numerous countries offer paid paternity leave, and these include Canada (5 weeks at 55% pay), Estonia (4.2 weeks at 100% pay), France (16 weeks at 100% pay), Iceland (26 weeks at 80% pay), Japan (one year at 67% pay for the first 180 days and 50% for the remainder), Lithuania (4.2 weeks at 77.58% pay), Norway (15 weeks at 100% pay or 19 weeks at 80% pay), Slovenia (22.9 weeks at 100% pay), Spain (16 weeks at 100% pay), and Sweden (34.2 weeks at 80% pay), among others.
Moreover, recent studies conducted by McKinsey-McGrill University in 2020 on paternity leave demonstrate that men who took paternity leave overwhelmingly viewed it as a positive experience. A striking 100% expressed satisfaction with their decision to take paternity leave and indicated they would do so again. Furthermore, 90% reported an improvement in their relationships with their partners. While 20% acknowledged concerns about potential career setbacks, they believed that the benefits far outweighed those worries. Notably, one in four fathers wished for longer paid paternity leave.
Mr. Sosu also highlighted that the extension of maternity leave aims to ensure sufficient time for breastfeeding by lactating mothers. This move was prompted by the absence of specific provisions in the Ghana Labour Law addressing or providing support for women facing the loss of a pregnancy or infant. Consequently, there is a need for legal measures or a legislative framework that offers compassionate support to women during times of vulnerability.
The introduction of the Labour (Amendment) Bill, 2023, marks the fourteenth Private Member’s Bill initiated by the Madina MP. These bills encompass a wide range of issues, including substituting life imprisonment for the death penalty, proscribing witchcraft accusations, eliminating taxes on sanitary pads, reviewing legal education and redefining the functions of the General Legal Council (GLC), ensuring a minimum of five percent employment for persons with disabilities (PWDs), guaranteeing compensation for victims of unlawful arrest, incarceration, and detention, and providing NHIS coverage for mental health patients and victims of sexual violation, among others.
The significant number of individuals who have been displaced and had their properties destroyed due to the spillage of the Akosombo Dam must be duly compensated, according to the Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu.
The legislator believes such responsibility lies on the shoulders of the Volta River Authority (VRA) owing to its role in the disaster.
According to Mr Sosu, lives and properties have been destroyed due to the “negligence and miscalculation from engineers” of the Volta River Authority.
In a post on X on October 16, Mr Sosu accused the VRA of violating the “rights to life and property” due to the inability to handle the spillage of the dam with due diligence.
He added, “VRA owed a duty of care to this community. They negligently breached this duty and must pay adequate compensation to alleviate the pain and suffering of these people.”
For Mr Sosu, the effects of the spillage continue to get scarier by the day as “spillage is still ongoing.”
The Volta River Authority’s (VRA) decision to release excess water from the Akosombo Dam, a measure aimed at preventing a potential dam collapse has inundated several areas in the Tongu districts and other areas.
Properties worth millions of Ghana cedis have been destroyed, and over 15 communities in the Tongu districts have been negatively affected.
In response to the flooding situation, the government has formed an inter-ministerial committee to tackle the recent floods resulting from the discharge of water from the Volta and Kpong Dams by the VRA.
The thirteen-member committee will be headed by Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare.
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has appealed to the VRA to reduce the discharge of water from the Akosombo Dam. His main concern is to ensure the safe evacuation of all residents affected by the flooding.
VRA owed a duty of care to this community. They negligently breached this duty and must pay adequate compensation to alleviate the pain and suffering of these people. This is unpardonable failure on the part of Engineers of VRA. Serious violations of rights to life and property. pic.twitter.com/365GESJU7v
Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has held the Volta River Authority (VRA) responsible for the havoc caused by the spillage of the Akosombo Dam.
According to Mr Sosu, lives and properties have been destroyed due to the “negligence and miscalculation from engineers” of the Authority.
Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu
The Madina MP, in a post on X on October 16, noted that there are “serious violations of rights to life and property” due to the unpardonable failure of the VRA.
He added, “VRA owed a duty of care to this community. They negligently breached this duty and must pay adequate compensation to alleviate the pain and suffering of these people.”
This is getting scarier by the day. I understand spillage is still ongoing. This is obviously negligence and miscalculation from Engineers of the VRA. Government needs to pay attention to the situation and compensate victims. pic.twitter.com/stGzo7blgN
For Mr Sosu, the disaster continues to get scarier by the day as “spillage is still ongoing.”
In the interim, he wants the government to pay attention to the situation and compensate the victims.
The Volta River Authority’s (VRA) decision to release excess water from the Akosombo Dam, a measure aimed at preventing a potential dam collapse has inundated several areas in the Tongu districts and other areas.
Properties worth millions of Ghana cedis have been destroyed, and over 15 communities in the Tongu districts have been negatively affected.
In response to the flooding situation, the government has formed an inter-ministerial committee to tackle the recent floods resulting from the discharge of water from the Volta and Kpong Dams by the VRA.
The thirteen-member committee will be headed by Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare.
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has appealed to the VRA to reduce the discharge of water from the Akosombo Dam. His main concern is to ensure the safe evacuation of all residents affected by the flooding.
VRA owed a duty of care to this community. They negligently breached this duty and must pay adequate compensation to alleviate the pain and suffering of these people. This is unpardonable failure on the part of Engineers of VRA. Serious violations of rights to life and property. pic.twitter.com/365GESJU7v
Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has expressed deep concern over the current state of communities and individuals who have been displaced owing to flooding as a result of the Akosombo Dam spillage.
In a post on X on Monday, he wrote, “This is getting scarier by the day.”
He is perturbed as the spillage is ongoing. According to Mr Sosu, the devastation recorded should be blamed on the Volta River Authority (VRA) due to “negligence and miscalculation from engineers.”
The Madina MP is of the view that “government needs to pay attention to the situation and compensate victims.”
This is getting scarier by the day. I understand spillage is still ongoing. This is obviously negligence and miscalculation from Engineers of the VRA. Government needs to pay attention to the situation and compensate victims. pic.twitter.com/stGzo7blgN
The Volta River Authority’s (VRA) decision to release excess water from the Akosombo Dam, a measure aimed at preventing a potential dam collapse has inundated several areas in the Tongu districts and other areas.
Properties worth millions of Ghana cedis have been destroyed, and over 15 communities in the Tongu districts have been negatively affected.
In response to the flooding situation, the government has formed an inter-ministerial committee to tackle the recent floods resulting from the discharge of water from the Volta and Kpong Dams by the VRA.
The thirteen-member committee will be headed by Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare.
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has appealed to the VRA to reduce the discharge of water from the Akosombo Dam. His main concern is to ensure the safe evacuation of all residents affected by the flooding.
Mr Ablakwa has expressed deep concerns about the devastating impact of the discharge and has requested immediate relief supplies for the affected individuals.
VRA owed a duty of care to this community. They negligently breached this duty and must pay adequate compensation to alleviate the pain and suffering of these people. This is unpardonable failure on the part of Engineers of VRA. Serious violations of rights to life and property. pic.twitter.com/365GESJU7v
Former Member of Parliament (MP) for the Bantama constituency, Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, has chastised Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, over his recent controversial remarks during the #OccupyBoG protest on October 3.
A frustrated Francis-Xavier Sosu, who addressed the media in the Ga language on Tuesday, abandoned decorum and used strong language during the #OccupyBoG demonstration to call for the resignation of Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Ernest Addison.
The Member of Parliament representing Madina used offensive language that quickly spread on social media, prompting a majority of Ghanaians to criticize his conduct.
Few hours later, Francis-Xavier Sosu issued a sincere and unreserved apology.
He acknowledged that his actions were uncharacteristic and were a result of being pushed to extreme frustration and provocation.
He said, “I unreservedly apologize for my actions and words. I have reflected and realized that though I spoke those words out of anger and extreme provocation, I was completely out of character.”
“Consistent with my avowed values, I am sincerely Sorry.”
Reacting to this in an interview on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo show, Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu did not welcome the apology.
He noted that for an individual with such authority, it is unpardonable to utter such an utterance, irrespective of one’s mood or sentiment.
“A whole Member of Parliament who was elected—what sort of anger is it that you couldn’t control? You said you were going to have the BoG governor removed. You protested but did not go to meet him. You met the security head you claim was a watchman and kept your petition. You said you’d return, and we said okay. So why the insult? The words you said cannot be said anywhere. Why?” he quizzed.
According to Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, such individuals cannot urge Ghanaians to vote for them to return to power.
“Are these the kind of people who want us to vote for them come 2024? Ghanaians are watching,” he said.
Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has provided a reason for his recent outburst against the government during Tuesday’s #OccupyBoG demonstration.
In the Ga language, the MP said some unprintable words that provoked condemnation by some members of the general public.
Since the incident, Francis-Xavier Sosu has apologised for his actions.
In an interview on Angel FM, the MP noted that he uttered such insults out of anger. He admitted that the persona witnessed on Tuesday was not his regular self, which is more composed.
“I will say that I was out of character yesterday. It is a demonstration we participated in. The anger that resided in us, that was what we were expressing. But obviously, I know that won’t be a good example to many people that is why I am apologising,” he said.
Mr Sosu has therefore entreated all who were adversely impacted by his utterance to forgive him.
“It was out of character and I apologize to all who were offended by the statement. Just find a place in your heart to forgive because the anger was at high levels,” he pleaded.
#OccupyBoG demo: "Outburst Was Out Of Character" – Madina MP, Francis Xavier Sosu
Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has denied accusations of intoxication amidst controversy surrounding his recent statements.
A viral video captured him addressing the media during the #OccupyBoG protest on October 3, 2023, using strong language in the Ga dialect, demanding the resignation of Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, and his deputies.
In his defense, Mr. Sosu clarified that he arrived at the demonstration site at 5:30 am, being one of the first to interact with the demonstrators to boost their morale for the protest.
Therefore, his remarks were made with complete sobriety and clarity, affirming that getting intoxicated has never been a habit of his.
“That’s completely false, I wasn’t intoxicated, I got to the demonstration grounds I think around 5:30am and I was one of the first people who started meeting demonstrators and basically charging for the demonstration and so I mean getting intoxicated is never part of my way of life.
“As you may know these are areas that I have championed over the years in terms of fairly bursting out and fairly given out by stating your opinons in clear terms. I will say that yesterday I was basically consumed,” he added.
I wasn’t intoxicated during the protest yesterday. I was basically consumed by anger and frustration toward the mismanagement at the BoG – Hon. Xavier Sosu ( Member of NDC) #GHToday w/ @Serwaa_Amiherepic.twitter.com/kZ2u9MH5x2
Meanwhile, the MP has issued a sincere and unreserved apology.
He acknowledged that his actions were uncharacteristic and resulted from being pushed to extreme frustration and provocation.
He said: “I unreservedly apologize for my actions and words. I have reflected and realized that though I spoke those words out of anger and extreme provocation, I was completely out of character.”
“Consistent with my avowed values, I am sincerely Sorry.”
A frustrated Francis-Xavier Sosu, who addressed the media in the Ga language on Tuesday, abandoned decorum and used strong language during the #OccupyBoG demonstration to call for the resignation of Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Ernest Addison.
The Member of Parliament representing Madina used offensive language that quickly spread on social media, prompting a majority of Ghanaians to criticize his conduct.
However, several hours after this emotional outburst, Francis-Xavier Sosu has issued a sincere and unreserved apology.
He acknowledged that his actions were uncharacteristic and were a result of being pushed to extreme frustration and provocation.
He said, “I unreservedly apologize for my actions and words. I have reflected and realized that though I spoke those words out of anger and extreme provocation, I was completely out of character.”
“Consistent with my avowed values, I am sincerely Sorry.”
I unreservedly apologize for my actions and words. I have reflected and realized that though I spoke those words out of anger and extreme provocation, I was completely out of character.
The main advocate behind the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2022, Francis-Xavier Sosu, which specifically prohibits attacks on alleged witches, has emphasized the government’s responsibility to ensure the reintegration of these individuals from various witch camps across the country.
The recently passed Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2022 makes it illegal for anyone to act as a witch doctor or witch finder and prohibits the act of declaring, accusing, naming, or labeling someone as a witch.
Furthermore, the bill declares all witch camps in the country to be unlawful.
Addressing journalists after the bill’s successful passage, Sosu expressed his belief that this legislation would rectify societal issues related to witch accusations.
He urged the government to find appropriate methods to reintegrate alleged witches from the various witch camps into mainstream society.
“The law also requires that, within a period, the Minister of Gender will take steps to reintegrate people who are held in various camps. The reintegration may take various forms because when we visited the various camps, some were essentially like a home for the alleged witches, so their reintegration may be that you provide support for them and others may require that they go back to their homes,” he added.
Member of Parliament representing the Madina constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has revealed that President Akufo-Addo supports the Criminal Offences Amendment Act, which aims to replace the death penalty with life imprisonment.
In support of abolishing the death penalty, the Madina MP Francis-Xavier Sosu, while upholding international human rights conventions, said President Akufo-Addo at the UN voted for scrapping the death penalty from the statutes of countries around the world for the first time.
“The president [Nana Akufo-Addo] at the UN voted in favor of the abolishment of the death penalty for the first time, and he has even made public statements in support of the abolishment. It was the president that called for a cross-party approach to passing this bill when stakeholders called on him, and so he fully endorses and supports the position,” he said in a media interaction.
When the amendment bill was discussed in Parliament on Friday, July 14, Members of Parliament found themselves in a state of disagreement, causing division among them. The debate on the bill sparked contrasting opinions and viewpoints among the legislators.
The parliamentary debate on the amendment bill also sparked widespread discussion among the Ghanaian public. Different segments of society expressed varying views on the matter. Some individuals advocated for the complete abolition of the death penalty, citing reasons such as humanitarian concerns and the belief in rehabilitation over punishment.
On the other hand, there were those who argued in favor of retaining the death penalty, emphasizing its potential as a deterrent against heinous crimes and the need for justice to be served.
These contrasting perspectives contributed to a broader conversation among the Ghanaian populace regarding the implications and effectiveness of the death penalty in the country’s legal system.
Mr. Sosu emphasised that even though the death penalty has not been used since 1993, a corrupt government could still use it at any time to hunt down its opponents, as in the case of Myanmar.
“The government in 1991 said there were not going to be executions again, but 12 people were executed by firing squad in 1993, and from colonial times till 1993, 37 people were killed.”
“When you take the case of Myanmar, the country had not used the law for 42 years, but it was there on its books and last year when there was a military takeover, they used it against their opponents and gave legal reasons where four leaders were killed, and a hundred others were convicted to death.”
Having carried out its last execution in 1993, Ghana is considered abolitionist in practice, although no official moratorium on execution has been imposed.
The country’s domestic legislation, therefore, still provides for the use of capital punishment for crimes of treason under the Constitution and a series of other crimes, including murder, genocide, treason, and smuggling of gold and diamonds, under the Criminal Code and Other Offences Act.
The Armed Forces Act also allows for the use of the death penalty in cases of treason and mutiny by military personnel in times of war.
Ghanaian judges continue to impose death sentences, mainly in murder cases, despite concerns related to the circumstances under which these trials are carried out and the alleged miscarriages of justice or other violations of the right to a fair trial under Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
According to civil society reports, people condemned to capital punishment are imprisoned in a separate wing for males and a separate cell for women, sometimes in poor conditions.
Member of Parliament representing Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has expressed firm endorsement for the substitution of death penalties with life imprisonment.
The report of the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee on the Criminal Offences Amendment Act, which seeks to replace the death penalty with life imprisonment, has divided parliamentarians.
The Human Rights lawyer believes that although the death penalty was inherited from the colonial administration as a punishment for murder, attempted murder, genocide, piracy, and smuggling of gold or diamonds, Ghana has not signed a death warrant for the execution of offenders since 1993.
The MP stated that “since Ghana gained independence in 1957, 49 people have been executed either by firing squad or by hanging, and the majority of those executions primarily occurred during military regimes” in an interview with Kwabena Agyapong on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm.
“Ghana’s current stance is that we actively oppose slavery. This is the case because, commendably, Ghana has not signed a death warrant since 1993 to execute anyone.
He explained that we should understand how the death penalty was introduced, the circumstances surrounding it, and whether it was still relevant in our books as society progressed.
“Today, the death penalty is irrelevant. We must remove it from our records and replace it with a life sentence. In practice, we have people sentenced to death, but after 38 years, we release them, so why have the law if you don’t use it again? That is the first question. Second, families of victims of crimes carrying the death penalty have no closure when the people sentenced to death are not executed. Because how does a person get closure if they are sentenced to death and you do not execute them?”
He stated that there are currently about 176 people on the death roll in Ghana’s condemned cells.
The conditions in the cells, he lamented, were deplorable and unfit for human habitation.
“As a human rights lawyer, I have visited the condemned cells and witnessed the conditions in which those who reside there live. It’s terrible, and I urge anyone who is listening to go see for themselves. If you keep people in such a state, the best option is to execute them or change the law to a life sentence.”
He claims that it is widely acknowledged that the death penalty should be abolished and that the work of the constitutional review commission under the late Atta Mills reflected this.
He noted that recently when he took part in a UN event, President Akufo-Addo supported the call for repeal as well and even voted in favour of it.
He came to the conclusion that there is a political and judicial agreement to abolish the death penalty, and as Ghanaians, we must accept that it is time to deal with it.
Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu (Esq), has campaigned for the adoption of an electronic voting method in parliament.
Sosu believes that incorporating e-voting systems in parliament will facilitate prompt decision-making on the floor and improve the accessibility of voting records for various MPs on specific Bills, legislations, and subjects, similar to practices in other jurisdictions.
According to Sosu, this technological advancement will significantly contribute to the well-being of the House members.
He emphasized the need for parliament as an institution to review its internal mechanisms and procedures to ensure the swift passage and resolution of critical Bills and businesses.
“The time has come for Parliament as an institution to review its internal mechanisms and procedures to ensure speedy passage and resolution of critical Bills and businesses on the floor of the House, and ensure readily available data on records of votes of each MP”.
“This will also guarantee improved health and wellbeing of members, especially aged members, and ensure members are decorous during decision-making at all times.”
Parliament has historically devoted excessive hours to the consideration of Bills and legislations on the floor, with recent debates on the contentious e-levy bill serving as a vivid example.
Sosu further explained that an e-voting system would shed light on the functioning of Members of Parliament, enabling constituents to better understand and appreciate the positions and perspectives of their elected representatives on various subjects.
These remarks were made by the Madina MP during a stakeholders dialogue session, aimed at promoting participatory democracy and reviewing his performance over the past two years.
Member of Parliament(MP) for Madina Francis-Xavier Sosu has been discharged by the Kaneshie District Court.
It would be recalled that Francis-Xavier Sosu had been hauled before the Kaneshie District Court by the Ghana Police Service over a demonstration he led with his constituents to drum home the need for better roads in the Ayi Mensah-Danfa electoral areas on 25th October 2021.
He was charged with three counts of causing unlawful damage contrary to section 172(1)(b) of Act 29, obstruction of traffic contrary to section 9(f) of the Public Order Act and Causing Danger to road users contrary to section 22(a) of the Road Traffic Act, 2004.
However, the charges were vehemently denied by Hon Sosu who insisted he was doing his parliamentary duties to hold the government accountable and acted within the law’s limits.
But on Monday, April 17, 2021, the Kaneshie District Court presided over by His Honour Oheneba Kuffour discharged the lawmaker for want of prosecution.
Reacting to his discharge, the Member of Parliament said this discharge clearly confirms his stance that the Police were behaving contrary to the law.
He further indicated that the attempted arrest by the police during the demonstration and subsequent attempt to arrest him at his church and the interdiction of his police officer were arbitrary capricious and deliberate attempts by the police to maliciously prosecute him for doing his duties as a sitting member of parliament doing his lawful duty within the limits of the law.
