John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, has expressed disapproval of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s approach to the anti-LGBTQ bill, suggesting that he consult the Council of State.
Mahama asserts that the President’s choice not to approve the bill is undemocratic and incorrect.
During a gathering with clergy members and imams in Nelerigu in the North East Region, Mahama called for the Council of State’s intervention.
“The president can refer the bill to the Council of State and say that look, I have received this bill from Parliament and I want you to take a look at it and advise me about this bill. And so the Council of State will look at it and then they will write their advice to the president and then the president will take that advice and based on that either sign it or if Council of State raises legitimate issues, the president will send it back to Parliament with the issues that were raised by the Council of State. That is what the Constitution says. But the Constitution also says that Parliament shall present the bill to the President. It is a constitutional action. And the fact that somebody has filed an interlocutory motion in the Supreme Court does not stop the Parliament from presenting the bill.”
On Monday, March 18, 2024, the President’s Office requested Parliament to withhold the anti-gay bill from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his approval.
Nana Bediatuo Asante, the President’s Secretary, stated that the decision was based on the recognition of two pending applications for an interlocutory injunction before the Supreme Court.
The applications aim to prevent Parliament from delivering the Bill to the President and to restrain the President from indicating his approval of the Bill, pending the matter’s final resolution.
Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, criticized the President’s decision, claiming it undermines Ghana’s democracy.
The Clerk of Parliament sent a letter to the President, notifying him that they are awaiting his confirmation to forward the controversial bill for his approval.
