Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has voiced sharp criticisms against the Judiciary and the Executive, condemning their actions as a “sin” against Ghana’s Constitution.
He blamed President Nana Akufo-Addo and the judiciary for stalling the passage of the anti-LGBTQ Bill, which was passed by Parliament and now awaits the president’s assent.
Mr Bagbin expressed concerns that the judiciary’s handling of cases tied to the bill, along with the president’s perceived reluctance to approve it, set a troubling precedence for Ghana’s democracy.
According to him, both the president and the judiciary “have sinned against the Constitution” and should seek to “confess and repent to be forgiven” for what he considers a disregard for Ghana’s democratic processes.
Mr Bagbin was angered by the judiciary’s role in processing suits on the LGBTQ Bill, which he claimed the President also refused to receive.
“The President’s refusal to even receive the LGBTQ+ Bill duly processed and passed by Parliament without any legal basis, and the judiciary’s support by processing a suit on this subject matter, are dangerous precedents,” he stated.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, he highlighted the increasing trend of stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, turning to the Supreme Court for legislative resolutions.
He warned that relying on the judiciary in this way undermines the authority and integrity of Parliament, calling for stronger respect for the legislative process and constitutional order.
“Most worrying is that these proceedings are initiated by some members of Parliament, even leaders of Parliament, who ought to know better,” Mr Bagbin said.
He emphasised that MPs should show loyalty to Parliament rather than the Supreme Court.
“Parliamentarians who are to be loyal to Parliament rather than to the Supreme Court run to the Supreme Court at the slightest opportunity to use it to undermine Parliament,” he said, adding that this tendency might be why Parliament “is not respected and treated with disdain.”