“President Nana Akufo-Addo Should Have Been Impeached Long Ago, Hon. Murtala Mohammed”
The persistent leadership and actions of President Nana Akufo-Addo in fulfilling his constitutional duties have raised concerns about potential impeachment proceedings. Despite his promises, such as the construction of a national cathedral following his 2016 election victory, controversies have marred progress. Furthermore, his refusal to endorse the Anti-gay bill, despite overwhelming support from Parliament, has disappointed many. Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, expressed these sentiments on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM in Accra.
Constitutionally, each branch of government has distinct roles, yet recent actions, including the President’s use of executive channels to communicate with Parliament, have strained the relationship between the executive and legislative branches.
Hon. Murtala Mohammed suggests that the President’s reluctance to heed the will of Ghanaians regarding the Anti-gay bill may be influenced by considerations related to proposals from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which the President has emphasized as crucial for the country’s financial stability.
In another development, Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson Nelson-Dafeamekpor, has filed a new application in the High Court. This application aims to compel the Speaker of Parliament to submit the Anti-LGBT bill to the President within seven days and to require the President to accept the bill within the same period.
The application, filed on March 22, is based on the argument that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill has been duly passed by Parliament in accordance with the Constitution. It seeks to enforce the President’s obligation to either assent to the bill or provide reasons for refusal within the timeframe specified by the Constitution.
This action follows a previous writ by the MP, which sought a restraining order against the Speaker of Parliament from vetting and approving ministerial nominees. The Attorney General responded, stating that the Supreme Court had not issued any injunction against Parliament, thereby allowing its proceedings to continue.
The reliefs sought in the application for Mandamus include declarations of Parliament’s compliance with constitutional provisions and orders compelling the President to act in accordance with constitutional requirements.
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