Anti-LGBTQ+ bill: Public clash between Speaker Bagbin and Majority Leader needless — Brako-Powers

Legal and Policy Analyst Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers has described the public disagreement between Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin and Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga over the recently passed anti-LGBTQ+ bill as unnecessary.

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill was passed by Parliament on May 29, 2026, following heated debate between the Majority and Minority sides.

Tensions later emerged after the Speaker called for a reconsideration of the bill, citing procedural concerns, a position the Majority Leader rejected, insisting Parliament had completed its mandate.

Speaking on Accra-based Joy Prime TV on Thursday, June 4, Brako-Powers said the disagreement should not have been made public.

“The clash between the Speaker and the Majority Leader is needless… they could have resolved this issue behind the scenes,” he said.

He argued that the public nature of the disagreement raises concerns about coordination and consensus-building within Parliament.

Brako-Powers also questioned whether the legislative process had been properly handled, suggesting the bill may have been rushed.

“In seeking to pass a law, you must make sure that you are not alienating the minority… Ghana has a responsibility to protect both the majority and the minority,” he stated.

He further stressed the importance of ensuring inclusiveness in lawmaking processes to maintain public confidence in Parliament.