Anti-gay bill: Parliament suspends approval of new ministers and deputies

Parliament has suspended the consideration of the nomination of ministers and deputy ministers  amid the confusion over the signing of the anti-gay bill into law by President Akufo-Addo.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin on Wednesday (20 March) said an interlocutory injunction filed at the Supreme Court by Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor makes it impossible for Parliament to vet and process the new ministers and deputy ministers.

“Hon Members, I also bring to your attention, the receipt of a process from the Courts titled Rockson-Nelson Etse K. Dafeamekpor vrs. The Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney-General ( Suit no. J1/12/2024) which process was served on the 19th of March 2024 and an injunction motion on notice seeking to restrain the Speaker from proceeding with the vetting and approval of the names of the persons submitted by His Excellency the President until the provisions of the constitution are satisfied.”

“Hon. Members in the light of this process, the House is unable to continue to consider the nominations of His Excellency the President in the ‘spirit of upholding the rule of law’ until after the determination of the application for interlocutory injunction by the Supreme Court,” Bagbin said.

The move by the Speaker follows a letter addressed to Parliament and signed by the Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante, on Monday (18 March).

The Presidency had requested Parliament to refrain from sending the anti-gay bill to the president for his assent.

The letter from the Presidency to Parliament indicated that there were two pending applications at the Supreme Court for an order of interlocutory injunction hence the decision.

The letter emphasised that it would be improper for Parliament to proceed with transmitting the Bill to President Akufo-Addo for any action until the matters before the court are addressed.

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