Parliament to transmit anti-gay bill to Akufo-Addo this week

The controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, was passed by Parliament on Wednesday February 28, 2024 and is now awaiting transmission to President Akufo-Addo for his assent. This bill, commonly referred to as the Anti-gay Bill, has been the subject of debate for the past three years. The draft department of parliament had to compile the legislation with all the amendments made during the different consideration stages.

The Ministry of Finance issued a warning that Ghana could potentially lose $3.4 billion in foreign support and jeopardize the IMF bailout program due to the passage of this bill. President Akufo-Addo has stated that he will not take any action on the legislation until a process filed at the Supreme Court against the bill is resolved.

Following the President’s announcement, a journalist filed processes at the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the bill. Some legal experts have raised questions about the legal basis for these challenges, as the Supreme Court typically interprets laws, not bills.

If there are no delays, the Clerk of Parliament will transmit the bill to the Presidency this week. The final version of the bill has been reviewed by all stakeholders, including Speaker Alban Bagbin. President Akufo-Addo has 14 days under article 106 of the constitution to communicate his reasons for not signing the bill, as well as any clauses he may want amended or forward to Council of State for advice within one-month period. If Parliament passes the bill again with a two-thirds majority, the President will be obligated to sign it into law.