Peter Lanchene Toobu, Member of Parliament for the Wa West Constituency, has criticized the involvement of the Executive Secretary to the President, Asante Bediatuo, in representing the President regarding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill. According to Toobu, the constitution does not permit the Executive Secretary to act on behalf of the President in such matters, indicating a disregard for parliamentary protocols.
The Office of the President recently sent a letter to Parliament, dated March 18, 2024, requesting that the anti-gay bill not be forwarded to President Akufo-Addo for assent. Asante Bediatuo explained that this decision was influenced by two pending applications for an order of interlocutory injunction before the Supreme Court.
Toobu expressed his concerns during an interview on Accra-based Ahotor 92.3 FM, urging fellow Ghanaians to unite in preventing what he sees as an overreach by the President. He emphasized the sensitivity of the issue and criticized President Akufo-Addo’s choice to delegate such an important matter to his secretary, interpreting it as a sign of disrespect towards parliamentarians.
The MP highlighted the need for adherence to constitutional procedures and stressed the significance of parliamentary sovereignty in decision-making processes. He called upon citizens to uphold democratic principles and hold the President accountable for his actions, particularly in matters of national importance like the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
Toobu’s remarks underscore the ongoing debate surrounding the bill and the complexities of governance in addressing societal issues while respecting constitutional frameworks and democratic values. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how this issue will be resolved and what implications it may have for the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature in Ghana.
“I don’t think the constitution allows the Executive Secretary to the President to represent the president on this sensitive matter, this particular issue is very important to Ghanaians and the President decides his secretary is the best person to write the letter to parliament shows the disrespect President Akufo-Addo has for the parliamentarians,” he said.
LISTEN TO PETER LANCHENE TOOBU IN THE AUDIO BELOW:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites) / Ahotoronline.com
