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Bill awaiting presidential assent does not expire with Parliament – Weija-Gbawe MP

Headlines Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib
FRI, 17 JAN 2025 1
Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib

The Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has refuted claims that the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, expired with the dissolution of the Eighth Parliament.

In a statement on January 16, Mr. Shaib argued that the bill, passed in February 2024 but yet to receive presidential assent, remains valid under Ghana’s legislative framework.

“A bill awaiting presidential assent in my respectful view does NOT expire with the dissolution of Parliament. The Constitution unequivocally supports the notion that governance is a continuum,” he stated.

His comments were in response to claims by some legislators, including Ketu North MP Eric Edem Agbana, that the bill required reintroduction in the current Ninth Parliament.

Former President John Dramani Mahama recently expressed a similar stance, proposing the government reintroduce the bill as a government-sponsored initiative to ensure broader consultation.

However, Mr. Shaib countered that such views misinterpret constitutional provisions.

“The extensive consultations mandated by Article 106 of the Constitution were completed, and the bill was duly passed. At that point, Parliament’s role in the process was finished,” he said.

The anti-LGBTQ+ bill, passed in February 2024, has reignited national discourse, with stakeholders divided on its legal status and the next steps for its implementation.

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Isaac Donkor Distinguished
Isaac Donkor Distinguished

Is a journalist with a keen interest in politics, current affairs, and social issuesPage: isaac-donkor-distinguished

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Comments

No pee | 1/17/2025 10:22:49 PM

Hon.Mp Nana should come and complete the signing process

Should the Free SHS policy be reviewed?

Started: 10-01-2025 | Ends: 31-03-2025

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