The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has blocked the consideration of the nomination of Ministers and Deputy Ministers of State by President Akufo-Addo.
Alban Bagbin told the House that his inability to consider the nominees followed an interlocutory injunction suit filed by the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for South Dayi at the Supreme Court to restrain him.
The restraint, he said, was to stop him as the Speaker of Parliament from proceeding with the vetting and approval of the names of persons submitted by the President until the provisions of the Constitution were satisfied.
The Speaker’s actions follow a directive from the presidency, which issued a cease-and-desist letter to Parliament, restraining them from transmitting the Bill on Human Sexual Rights and Family Values for President Akufo-Addo’s assent.
On February 28, 2024, Parliament approved the bill that criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities, as well as their promotion, advocacy, and funding.
Those found guilty could face a jail term ranging from 6 months to 3 years, while those promoting and sponsoring the act could face a jail term between 3 to 5 years.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, reacting to it, said he is awaiting the Supreme Court’s ruling before deciding on the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ Bill passed by Parliament.
However, the Speaker speaking on the matter on Wednesday said his decision stems from an interlocutory injunction filed at the Supreme Court by Rockson-Nelson Etse K. Dafeamekpor, rendering Parliament unable to sanction new ministers nominated by President Akufo-Addo.