Speaker of Parliament Alban BagbinAlban Bagbin re-elected as CoSPAL Chair has voiced strong criticism against both President Nana Akufo-Addo and the Judiciary, accusing them of constitutional violations concerning the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
Speaking at a media briefing ahead of Parliament’s upcoming session on November 7, Bagbin alleged that the President and the Judiciary have undermined Parliament’s authority by stalling the bill’s progress, despite it being duly passed by the legislative body.
Bagbin claimed that both institutions had “sinned against the constitution” and emphasized that they “must seek the opportunity to confess and repent to be forgiven.”
His remarks come amid delays that have stalled the bill’s enactment, with the President declining to receive the bill due to ongoing legal challenges.
“The courts are replete with debates and proceedings of Parliament,” Bagbin said, adding that it is concerning that some of these cases have been initiated by Members of Parliament (MPs) themselves. “Most worrying is these proceedings are initiated by some Members of Parliament—even leaders of Parliament—who are to know better,” he noted, expressing frustration that MPs, who should be “loyal to Parliament,” frequently turn to the Supreme Court “to undermine Parliament.”
Citing the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill as a prime example, Bagbin criticized President Akufo-Addo’s refusal to accept the bill. According to him, the President’s stance reflects “disdain” for Parliament’s work, a sentiment that he believes is further enabled by the Judiciary’s decision to process related lawsuits filed by activists.
The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill, formally known as the “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill,” proposes criminal penalties for individuals engaging in or promoting LGBTQ+ activities. Parliament passed the bill in February, but subsequent lawsuits have prevented it from reaching the President for assent. Among the legal challenges are cases filed by journalist Richard Dela Sky, gender activist Dr. Amanda Odoi, and law lecturer Prince Obiri-Korang, each raising concerns about the bill’s impact on individual rights and freedoms.
The Judicial Service of Ghana has addressed these delays, clarifying that procedural requirements are yet to be fulfilled in the two Supreme Court cases. A statement from the Judicial Service on September 13, 2024, noted that “essential procedural requirements are yet to be fulfilled by the parties involved,” and outlined that key defendants, including Parliament and the Attorney General, have not completed necessary filings.
In Sky’s case, initiated in March, both Parliament and the Attorney General had reportedly not submitted their Statements of Case by July 31, 2024, just before the Court’s recess. In Odoi’s case, which dates back to June 2023, the Attorney General has yet to submit the required documentation, contributing to further delays.