The recent ruling by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has reignited discussions surrounding the controversial anti-LGBTQ bill in Ghana. As the Speaker clarified, this bill must be reintroduced in the new parliament after the previous 8th parliament was dissolved. This statement comes in the midst of debates among lawmakers regarding whether the bill, which had aroused significant public interest, could bypass reintroduction due to its previous passage.
In his statement, Speaker Bagbin underscored that all pending business ceases to exist upon the dissolution of a parliament. This constitutional principle emphasizes that no legislation can move forward without following the appropriate parliamentary processes. The Speaker further mentioned that while the bill was transmitted to the former president, Nana Akufo-Addo, for assent, he declined it without providing the necessary reasons or returning it to parliament. Such actions have raised questions about the adherence to constitutional obligations.
For the anti-LGBTQ bill to be laid before the House once again, the Speaker has outlined specific procedural duties that need to be undertaken, as dictated by parliamentary standing orders. This private member’s bill, backed by civil society and religious leaders, emphasizes a collective initiative—a point of contention regarding its initial classification as a public bill. Speaker Bagbin reaffirms his stance on handling it as a private member’s bill, reaffirming the significance of democratic processes in Ghana’s legislative function.