Speaker of Parliament Directs Re-Submission of Anti-LGBT Bill to President

Written By : Priscilla Boakye

The recent directive by Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin to re-submit the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ Bill to the President for his assent has reignited the debate surrounding the legal and constitutional framework in Ghana. This bill, known as the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, has been in legislative limbo due to a Supreme Court case challenging its legality, resulting in a prior denial of presidential assent. By urging the Supreme Court to expedite its ruling on this matter, Speaker Bagbin underscored the importance of swiftly addressing issues of public and parliamentary interest, especially considering the heightened tensions between Ghana’s branches of government.

At a recent press conference, Speaker Bagbin addressed concerns about potential threats to parliamentary autonomy, which he sees as vital to Ghana’s democracy. He expressed frustration over the Supreme Court's recent restriction preventing him from declaring four parliamentary seats vacant due to MPs defecting from their parties or intending to run as independents. Bagbin argued that Parliament should maintain the right to declare such seats vacant, as these actions fundamentally alter the political alignment within Parliament, affecting party representation and national governance.

Furthermore, Speaker Bagbin suggested possible “collusion” between the Executive and Judiciary to limit parliamentary authority, pointing to recent interactions where judicial restrictions appeared to encroach on legislative powers. This accusation has sparked public debate over the balance of powers in Ghana, as Bagbin highlighted that any limitations placed on Parliament could potentially undermine the very foundation of the country's democratic system. His call for urgency in resolving the bill's legal standing reflects a broader concern over the separation of powers and the influence of the Judiciary over Parliament’s operations.

Bagbin’s remarks come at a time of intense public scrutiny over the role of government in regulating social issues and protecting democratic processes. The anti-LGBTQ+ Bill has been a particularly divisive issue in Ghana, drawing both strong support from conservative groups and criticism from human rights advocates. Speaker Bagbin’s directive, if successful in garnering presidential assent after the Supreme Court’s decision, could lead to significant legislative changes that affect LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana, while simultaneously challenging the inter-branch dynamics between the Judiciary, Executive, and Legislature.

This development highlights the complex and often contentious relationship between Ghana’s government branches, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced distribution of power to ensure a resilient democratic framework.