For refusing to sign the Human Sexual Lives and Family Values Bill otherwise known as the Anti-LGBTQ bill, the Minority in Parliament has hinted of initiating an impeachment process against the President.
Addressing the media in Parliament Thursday, March 21, 2024, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson indicated that the President’s refusal to sign the document is unacceptable.
The decision was triggered by a letter from the Executive Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante, to Parliament, directing the Clerk not to transmit the bill to the Presidency for Executive assent.
The President has already indicated his unwillingness to pend his signature to the Bill passed by the Legislature Wednesday, February 28, 2024, pending two Supreme Court cases.
He says he wants the courts to determine the fate of the reliefs being sought by the plaintiffs before he will assent the bill or otherwise.
The Minority Leader who is also the Member of Parliament for Ajumako Enyan Essiam reemphasised the caucus’s commitment to ensure the powers of the House are not usurped by anyone.
“We stand with the Speaker of Parliament in this. Let the President of Ghana and his government be aware that where this country is going is strange under his watch and the NDC Minority will not countenance it.
“But I want to end that it is obvious that His Excellency the President has breached the constitution and we will advise ourselves. In the coming days, don’t be surprised that we will begin impeachment proceedings against the President,” he noted.
The Minority’s comments were in support of the position of the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin to suspend the approval of the President’s minister-designates pending a Supreme Court suit.
The Speaker had indicated that likewise the President’s position on the Anti-gay bill, Parliament was equally waiting for a court determination to carry out its constitutionally mandated role.
