There will be no approval of new ministers till you sign the LGBTQ bill — Speaker of Parliament tell President Akufo-Addo

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has informed the President of Ghana that his nominees for Ministers and Deputy Ministers will not receive approval from Parliament until he signs the Anti-Gay Bill.

This decision comes amid ongoing legal proceedings, including a challenge being heard by the Supreme Court, leading to the suspension of the nomination review process.

The MP for the South Dayi constituency, Rockson-Nelson Etse K. Dafeamekpor, filed for an interlocutory injunction, prompting the suspension and essentially halting Parliament’s capacity to proceed with the approval of the President’s candidates.

Additionally, the presidency has directed Parliament to halt the progress of the Bill on Human Sexual Rights and Family Values by sending a cease and desist letter, citing the ongoing legal processes at the Supreme Court.

Bagbin emphasized that Parliament cannot proceed with the examination of the President’s nominations amidst these legal proceedings until the Supreme Court reaches a decision on the interlocutory injunction. He stated that this decision aligns with the commitment to uphold the rule of law.

In addressing the directive from the presidency, Bagbin asserted Parliament’s dedication to adhering to the existing legal framework and rejected attempts to influence parliamentary proceedings. He also highlighted the receipt of legal documents from the Courts, including an injunction motion seeking to restrain the Speaker from vetting and approving the President’s nominees until constitutional requirements are fulfilled.