Samuel Ayeh Paye, the former Member of Parliament for Ayensuano constituency has waded into the impasse between the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin and President Akufo-Addo.
It may be recalled that on February 28, 2024, Parliament passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021 known as the anti-gay bill which seeks to criminalise all activities related to the LGBTQ community.
However, a letter from the Presidency directed Parliament not to transmit the Bill for President Akufo-Addo’s assent.
According to the letter addressed to Parliament on Monday, March 18, and signed by the Secretary to the President, Nana Asante Bediatuo, the request follows two pending applications for an order of interlocutory injunction currently before the Supreme Court.
Subsequently, the Speaker in what may be considered retaliation, also suspended the approval of new ministerial nominees in retribution, citing an injunction filed at the Supreme Court by the Member of Parliament (MP) for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Etse K. Dafeamekpor; a case which has been dismissed.
“The Speaker has no power to adjourn Parliament without a vote; he can suspend and not adjourn and so his action was wrong. On the other hand, the Executive also has no right to write such a letter to Parliament. The Speaker does not have the power to interfere in Executive duties, just as the President has no right to interfere in Parliamentary business . . . both organs should be guided by the constitution; what they’re doing is illegal.“
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Story by: Appiah Kubi/Ahotoronline.com
