Parliament’s Appointments Committee will today, Tuesday, March 5, start the vetting process for the newly nominated ministers and deputy ministers.

The vetting process will extend from today until Tuesday, March 12, encompassing a thorough examination of each nominee’s qualifications and suitability for their respective positions.

Among the first nominees to undergo vetting is Andrew Egyapa Mercer who is designated as the Tourism Minister. He will be followed by Lydia Seyram Alhassan, slated for the Sanitation and Water Resources Ministry.

Later, Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, nominated for the Local Government Ministry, and Ophelia Mensah Hayford, designated for the Environment, Science, and Technology Ministry, will undergo scrutiny by the committee.

The day’s proceedings will conclude with the vetting of Dakoa Newman, designated for the Gender and Social Protection Ministry.

President Akufo-Addo’s recent cabinet overhaul, announced on February 14, saw approximately 12 current ministers affected, including 10 cabinet members and two regional ministers. Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta was among those relieved of their positions.

In response to various pressures from political parties, civil society groups, and internal party members, President Akufo-Addo conducted this reshuffle, appointing certain deputy ministers to substantive ministerial roles while others transitioned to new ministries. These individuals will now undergo the vetting process by the Appointments Committee.

The timetable is outlined below:

Tuesday, March 5:

9 am: Andrew Egyapa Mercer, Minister-designate for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
10 am: Lydia Seyram Alhassan, Minister-designate for the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources
11 am: Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, Minister-designate for the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development
12 pm: Ophelia Mensah Hayford, Minister-designate for the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
2 pm: Darkoa Newman, Minister-designate for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection

Thursday, March 7:

9 am: Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, Minister-designate for the Ministry of Health
10 am: Titus Glover, Minister-designate for the Greater Accra Region
11 am: Fatimatu Abubakar, Minister-designate for the Ministry of Information
2 pm: Daniel Machator, Minister-designate for the Oti Region

Friday, March 9:

9 am: Dr Benjamin Sekyere Yeboah, Deputy Minister-designate for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
10 am: Sylvester Tetteh, Deputy Minister-designate for the Ministry of Information
11 am: Charles Acheampong, Deputy Minister-designate for the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation
12 pm: Adelaide Ntim, Deputy Minister-designate for the Ministry of Health
2 pm: Alexander Akwasi Acquah, Deputy Minister-designate for the Health Ministry

Monday, March 11:

9 am: Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Deputy Minister-designate for the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development
10 am: John Kobina Sanie, Deputy Minister-designate for the Energy Ministry
10 am: Collins Adomako Mensah, Deputy Minister-designate at the Energy Ministry
12 pm: Dr Prince Hamidu Armah, Deputy Minister-designate for the Works and Housing Ministry

Tuesday, March 12:

9 am: Kingsley Nyarko, Deputy Minister-designate for the Education Ministry
10 am: Festus Awuah Kwofie, Deputy Minister-designate for the Employment and Labour Ministry
11 am: Akwasi Konadu, Deputy Minister-designate for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources
12 pm: Musah Abdul Aziz Ayaba, Deputy Minister-designate for the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Development.

The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has expressed shock with the Finance Ministry’s plea to President Nana Akufo-Addo not to assent the anti-LGBTQ+ bill into law.

In an interview on Adom FM Burning Issues, the General Secretary of GPCC, Reverend Immanuel Tettey stated the Ministry’s caution was out of place and must be resisted.

According to him, the proposed legislation is crucial to upholding Ghana’s cultural values and independence from external influence.

Reverend Tettey stressed that there are countries with worse forms of punishment for people who engage in LGBTQI+ activities, but are doing well and have kept their relationships with other multilateral agencies.

“Kenya, Senegal and other countries have more stringent measures yet the IMF is lending its support. So I can’t fathom why the Ministry of Finance will come out with this. Besides this Bill was in parliament way before the IMF negotiations started and it was not part of the conditions,” he stated.

The Bill which criminalizes and prohibits LGBTQI+ activities, was approved on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.

It has sparked criticism from various quarters, including prominent figures like Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, the Board Chair of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), and other groups coupled with threats of legal action.

It is expected to land on the President’s desk within the week, but the Ministry on Monday cautioned Ghana could lose more than 3 billion dollars in external financing if passed into law.

Meanwhile, Akufo-Addo has said he is awaiting a ruling of the Supreme Court to decide on the Bill as it is currently being challenged.

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Listen to Reverend Tettey in the video attached above:

One of the sponsors for the anti-LGBTQI+ Bill, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah has said it is in the best interest of people who identify with the gay community.

According to the Ho West Member of Parliament (MP), the bill will not criminalise or violate the human rights of individuals but rather protect them.

He gave this assurance on Adom FM Burning Issues, explaining the has been explicitly stated in clause 17 of the Bill.

“The bill is not for everyone but the people who hold themselves as members of the gay community. The bill will rather protect and not violate their human rights as they claim because clause 17 says that we cannot touch anyone who is involved or perceived to be involved.

“We must report them to the police for the law to take its course. So if you touch them you will be caught up with the law and will face the consequences,” he added.

The Bill passed on February 28 by Parliament currently proscribes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activities and criminalises their promotion, advocacy and funding.

Persons caught in these acts would be subjected to six months to three-year jail term with promoters and sponsors of these acts bearing a three to five-year jail term.

The Bill would now require presidential assent to come into force but has been met with fierce criticisms amidst calls for Akufo-Addo for reject it.

The critics have argued the bill violates and infringes on fundamental human rights and have threatened to initiate legal action against it.

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Listen to Mr Bedzrah in the video attached above:

Economist Prof Lord Mensah has questioned the rationale behind the Ministry of Finance’s statement for President Nana Akufo-Addo not to assent to the anti-LGBTQI+ bill.

The senior lecturer at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) says he cannot comprehend why the Ministry will put money ahead of protecting the Ghanaian culture and values.

“We must show the Western world we can be independent economically. If they say they won’t lend support, we will not starve to death. There is no cause for alarm,” he said.

In a statement on March 4, the Ministry asked the President not to sign the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill into law following its passage on February 28.

The statement bemoaned this could lead to severe repercussions on the country’s financial support from international organisations like the Bretton Woods institutions.

The statement highlighted concerns that the expected US$3.8 billion financing from the First Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support), currently awaiting Parliamentary approval, might not be disbursed.

But speaking on Adom FM Burning Issues, Prof Mensah admitted every action comes with economic repercussions.

However, it will be in the best interest of Ghana to lose US$3.8 billion now instead of a generational cost which will be incurred if the bill is not passed.

“The Ministry is panicking given the amounts they are mentioning. There are always economic repercussions but is it is too early to tie the IMF deal to this or predict in this direction

“Losing that money is nothing compared to the generation cost that the LGBTQI+ will create for Ghana. Do we know how much it will cost us to import adult diapers or the medical cost to treat people? We can’t even deal with bed syndrome so how are we going to handle the consequences of LGBTQI+ activities?” he quizzed.

Prof Mensah admonished President Akufo-Addo to be bold in his stance on LGBTQI+ to send a clear signal to the Western world.

“We have our own values and why should we sit for someone in their country to dictate to us? it is not a sign of respect and this goes a long way to prove our dependence on foreign inflow.

“We should take the bull by the horn for the president to sign and he must be bold too because he seems to be wobbling. His statement of waiting for a Supreme Court ruling on the bill is just to buy time and protect his indecision,” he admonished.

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Co-sponsor of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor has described the attempt by Civil Society Organisations to challenge the newly passed Anti-LGBTQ+ bill as premature.

According to him, until the bill is assented into law, there is no basis on which it can be challenged in the Supreme Court.

Speaking on JoyFM’s Newsnight on March 4, he explained that challenging a bill in court would imply that the basis for which it is contested is more about a declaration of intent rather than a matter of law.

The South Dayi MP clarified that if the said intent was the grounds for visiting the court, then that was a faulty premise.

“The law is very clear. The bill is in the state that it is, to the extent that it has not been assented to by the President to become a law, it remains a declaration of intention by Parliament.

“So, you can not challenge a declaration of intention in the court of law. Your cause of action cannot rise upon a declaration of intention so that school of thought is faulty. It is built on a faulty premise. I am ready to file an amicus in respect of anybody who will go to challenge this matter.

“Let the law be assented to and given effect as law probably so-called. Then the validity in terms of its constitutionality can be challenged. But until we get there, any call for any person to proceed to the Supreme Court is premature,” he told host, Evans Mensah.

He continued that last year, some individuals proceeded to the Supreme Court to challenge the controversial bill but the court said a bill cannot be challenged unless it becomes law.  

Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has reassured the international community of Ghana’s commitment to upholding human rights despite the passage of the bill.

Addressing concerns during a diplomatic engagement, the President emphasised that Ghana remains steadfast in its long-standing reputation for respecting human rights and adherent to the rule of law.

He clarified that the Bill is facing a legal challenge at the Supreme Court and that until a decision is arrived at, no action would be taken by his government on the private Member’s bill.

“l am aware that last week’s bi-partisan passage by Parliament of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, on a Private Member’s motion, has raised considerable anxieties in certain quarters of the diplomatic community and amongst some friends of Ghana that she may be turning her back on her, hitherto, enviable, longstanding record on human rights observance and attachment to the rule of law. I want to assure you that no such back-sliding will be contemplated or occasioned.”

However, President Akufo-Addo noted that the Bill has yet to reach his desk for any formal action.

He indicated that any decision he makes regarding the Bill would be contingent upon the outcome of the lawsuit filed against it in the Supreme Court.

“I think it will serve little purpose to go, at this stage, into the details of the origin of this proposed law, which is yet to reach my desk. But, suffice it to say, that I have learnt that, today, a challenge has been mounted at the Supreme Court by a concerned citizen to the constitutionality of the proposed legislation,” the President added.

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Members of Parliament on the Minority side are furious over the Finance Ministry’s advice to President Akufo-Addo not to sign the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill into law.

The bill is expected to land on President Akufo-Addo’s desk this week, but the Finance Ministry says Ghana could lose more than 3 billion dollars in external financing if the bill becomes law.

Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Sagnarigu, Alhassan Bashir Alhassan Fuseini, has urged Ghanaians to take action in support of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

The MP stated that the proposed legislation is crucial to upholding the country’s cultural values and independence from external influence.

Speaking to JoyNews on March 4, 2024, he said “Let’s rise up. I am telling you that the streets must be flooded. Everybody must be prepared on this matter, to come onto the streets. Thousands and millions of people must be prepared to flood the streets on this matter to protect our independence and sovereignty.

“We are not going to sit there and allow these external bodies to come and dictate to us and bring policies that are so perverse, that are so backward as far as our culture is concerned.”

Mr Fuseini stated that the European Court of Human Rights says that LGBTQ is not a human right but rather a sexual preference.

According to him, the fact that there is democracy does not mean all things that are punishable by law should be given the freedom to operate.

“Go to the western countries, do they allow people to exercise polygamy? If I want to marry a second wife in any of those countries, would they allow me? And is that not an infringement on my fundamental human rights? Why do they not talk about that in their communities?

According to the MP, these external forces only choose countries that are vulnerable to impose their will on.

“Why are they picking and choosing Ghana as a basis upon which to launch their crusade? It is unacceptable.”

In addition to Mr Fuseini’s comments, the MP for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini, also voiced his opinion on the issue.

He said that the Ministry of Finance has pointed out some potential losses that the passage of the bill could cause.

Mr Suhuyini also pointed out that, there are countries with worse forms of punishment for people who engage in LGBTQ activities, but are doing well and have kept their relationships with other multilateral agencies.

“So I’m surprised that we are afraid that this law will isolate us and affect our relationship with these bilateral institutions. I think that if we rather remain forthright and remain proud of who we are and this law reflects who we are, then we’d be given the respect that we deserve and we will not in any way lose relationships that are mutually beneficial,” he said.

“It is unfortunate that we seem to be focused more on what we may lose and I stress potential and may because there is no evidence that these loses may actually manifest. It’s unfortunate that we seem to be focusing on what we may lose and not thinking of what they may lose if they pursue whatever agenda that they intend to pursue against us.”

Also, the MP for Bole-Bamboi, Yusif Sulemana, expressed disappointment in the Finance Minister, Dr. Amin Mohammed.

The Ministry of Finance in a statement urged President Akufo-Addo to refrain from signing the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill into law.

In the Monday, March 4 release, the Finance Ministry cautioned that such an action could lead to severe repercussions on the country’s financial support from international organisations like the Bretton Woods institutions.

Mr Sulemana went on to say that Dr Amin Adam seems to be more focused on financial considerations than on moral values.

“He should be concerned about the moral decay of this country. He should be concerned about the moral impact that the LGBTQ would bring on us if we allow it to go on. He should be concerned about the children yet to be born and their future. He should be concerned about his children.”

Mr Sulemana also revealed that there is a plan to repeal the bill if it is signed into law.

“They will organise or plan with the judiciary, go to court and then it will be thrown out. We are aware of all these things and calling on morally upright people in the country to stand up.”

The MP noted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Mahama, has taken a stand on the LGBTQ matter publicly and called on the current Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, to do same.

“Are you saying that when he [John Mahama] comes into power, he won’t need foreign aid? He is aware of the implications but he has juxtaposed the harm this will cause us vis-à-vis the income or wealth we are going to get from foreign aid, and that’s the perspective from which we have to look at it. It is so shameful, and I am very sad today,” he said.

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Ho West Member of Parliament(MP), Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah has confirmed that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQI+ bill, is yet to be submitted to President Nana Akufo-Addo for his assent.

Mr Bedzrah made these comments on Adom FM Burning Issues amidst public discussions and agitations for the President to assent to the Bill which was passed on February 28.

“Parliament has completed all the work we are supposed to do and it is left with the presidential assent. The Clerk is yet to take to the government Printer, Ghana Publishing Corporation for it to be placed on tinsel for his assent but it is not true the bill will return to parliament,” The MP who was one of the sponsors of the Bill clarified.

Parliament unanimously approved the bill that criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities, as well as their promotion, advocacy, and funding.

Those found guilty could face a jail term ranging from 6 months to 3 years, while those promoting and sponsoring the act could face a jail term between 3 to 5 years.

Amidst intense pressure for Akufo-Addo to assent to the Bill, the Ministry of Finance, has however said otherwise.

In a press release on Monday, the Ministry cautioned that approving the bill could result in significant financial consequences for Ghana.

According to the Finance Ministry’s statement, Ghana stands to lose a substantial amount of World Bank financing, estimating a potential loss of USD$3.8 billion over the next five to six years.

On the part of Akufo-Addo, he says he is awaiting the Supreme Court’s ruling before deciding on the controversial Bill following a court action.

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• Anti-LGBTQI+ bill: Finance Ministry’s statement a lobbying attempt – Prof Gatsi

The Dean of the University of Cape Coast Business School, Professor John Gatsi, has described the Finance Ministry’s suggestion to the President not to sign the recently passed anti-LGBTQ+ bill into law as a lobbying attempt.

According to him, there is no portion of the deal with the International Monetary Fund that says that if Ghana enacted such legislation, it would be a breach of contract.

Speaking on JoyNews’ the Pulse on March 4, he elaborated that upon close examination of the country, no advocacy group was potent enough to obstruct the President from assenting the bill.

Therefore, this was somewhat a form of blackmail from the Finance Ministry, anticipating potential hindrances to securing funds.

Again, he added that this was also a way to sort of justify the President’s intention to not sign the bill.

“This thing is just trying to keep the momentum about lobbying. We do not have those things as conditions in engaging with the World Bank or IMF. There are other minority issues, there are other vulnerable issues in our countries. It is based on those things that we are getting development funding from the World Bank to fund benefit all these classes of people.

“So the World Bank cannot say that because of the Anti-LGBTQ+ issues they will not extend money to us, which of course is a loan that will be paid over – I do not see that.

“What I see is a strong force of lobbying that the law should not be passed. That is where we are now. I am not sure that there is any pressure on us about that. It is all about lobbying. So lobbying is scaling up seriously at the last hour because the bill is on its way to the presidency.

“The President made statements to the extent that he has not seen a force in the country built up in relation to LGBTQ. So if we can have something measured in this form that the Finance Ministry has done then that will be understandable for the President to say, I will not sign the law.

“And for me, that is how I see it. We don’t have a legal relation that says that if you pass anti –LGBTQ then we will not give you money,” he said.

In a press release issued on Monday, March 4, the Finance Ministry cautioned that such action could lead to severe repercussions on the country’s financial support from international organisations like the Bretton Woods Institutions.

The statement highlighted concerns that the expected US$300 million financing from the First Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support), currently awaiting Parliamentary approval, might not be disbursed if the bill is signed into law.

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President Nana Akufo-Addo has announced plans to put on hold his decision to assent the anti-LGBTQI+ bill into law.

This according to him is on the back of a challenge mounted at the Supreme Court following the passage of the Bill on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.

Addressing Members of the Diplomatic Corps at Peduase on Monday, Akufo-Addo noted he is yet to receive the Bill.

However, the decision of the court will determine the next line of action.

“The operations of the institutions of the Ghanaian state will determine the future trajectory of the rule of law and human rights compliance in our country,” the President noted.

The Bill criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities, their promotion, advocacy, and funding within the country.

The Bill would now require presidential assent to come into force but has been met with fierce criticisms amidst calls for Akufo-Addo for reject it.

The critics have argued the bill violates and infringes on fundamental human rights and have threatened to initiate legal action against it.

The Ministry of Finance has also pleaded with the President not to assent to the Bill, stating it could result in significant financial consequences for Ghana.

According to the Ministry’s statement, Ghana stands to lose a substantial amount of World Bank financing, estimating a potential loss of USD$3.8 billion over the next five to six years.

Specifically, the impact for 2024 includes a loss of USD$600 million in budget support and USD$250 million for the Financial Stability Fund, adversely affecting Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves and exchange rate stability.

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Read below the President’s remarks:

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has raised concerns about events held at the forecourt of the State House.

The forecourt of the State House in the past years has been the venue for funerals, especially of some political figures in Ghana.

But Mr Bagbin has said these events pose security threats to Members of Parliament (MPs) in their line of duties.

The Speaker made these reservations during discussions with the top five schools that took part in the National Public Speaking Competition on Friday.

“I’m sure when you were coming you heard some noise outside, when we are busy doing our work, then there are people outside there permitted to come and make and noise. By the time we go outside, they could have broken into our cars, and stolen things.

“You talk to them it is like they are deaf and dumb, they don’t hear. We are constrained to be able to function properly,” he bemoaned.

Additionally, Speaker Bagbin expressed his frustration about the public’s declining trust in politicians.

“When you hear the politicians talking do you believe it? Once you are a leader and the people following you don’t believe you, you can’t achieve anything,” he said.

On the sidelines of the interaction, he also touched on the Ghana-International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal.

“Anytime they want Ghana to falter and return to them, they will tell their small boys to come and misadvise us. When we do the wrong thing and we collapse, they [IMF] say aha, that is what they do to us. Ghana we have been there 17 times, we have not solved our problems,” he stated.

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Parliament will on Monday, March 4, have an extended sitting, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader, said on Friday. 

He explained that Wednesday, March 6 being Independence Day, the Monday sitting of the House would make up for Wednesday and needed to be extended to ensure that the business scheduled for the week under consideration was completed. 

Mr Afenyo-Markin, also the Chairman of the Business Committee of Parliament, announced the Extended Sitting, when he presented the Business Statement for next week, the Fifth week ending Friday, March 8, 2024, on the floor of the House, in Accra. 

“The Committee urges members to observe it as such,” he said.  

Mr Afenyo-Markin, also New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu told the House that per the Business Statement, 40 oral questions would be responded to by four Ministers in the fifth week.  

He mentioned the Education, Energy, Finance and Roads and Highway Ministers as the four scheduled to respond to questions in the House. 

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Parliament has been reconnected to the national grid after the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) task force disconnected the Legislature.

The development was over the House’s GH₵23 million debt owed the distribution company.

The chamber of Parliament was plunged into darkness, as well as the MPs’ offices, resulting in staff and members being stuck in elevators.

Prompt intervention by fire service officers was required to rescue those trapped in the elevators.

But Parliament has since settled more than GH₵10 million of the debt and has been reconnected.

Thursday’s power outage took place while the legislators were debating President Akufo-Addo’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Outgoing Deputy Minister for Finance, Abena Osei-Asare was on the floor defending the President’s address when power went off.

It triggered chants of “Dumsor, dumsor!” from the Minority side of the house.

This development comes as many Ghanaians are already complaining of erratic power supply.

The Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama, has defended his outfit’s decision to disconnect electricity supply to Parliament.

According to him, the legislature owes the power supply company a whooping GH¢23 million and no effort has been made to pay.

This disconnection happened the debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on February 29, 2024.

ECG came under attack for disrupting government business with the disconnection.

Parliament has also claimed it does not owe the power company.

According to the Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, the Deputy Clerk of the Corporate and Financial Management Services Division in Parliament, all necessary payments to the power distributor have been made.

But Mr. Dubik stated in an interview on Starr FM that, the disconnection is to send a signal to Parliament to pay the outstanding debt.

Play attached audio for more

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Dumsor: I nearly collapsed in elevator – Parliamentary staffer

Two brothers clashed on the floor of Parliament over erratic power supply known in local parlance as ‘dumsor’ while debating President Akufo-Addo’s State of the Nation Address.

John Abdulai Jinapor, the Ranking Member for the Committee on Mines and Energy, criticised government for failing to provide funds to purchase fuel to power the Thermal Plants.

This, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP claimed is to blame for the unstable power across the country.

But his younger brother, Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources pooh poohed his claim.

He said government is working around the clock to ensure a stable power supply.

Mr. Jinapor also MP for Damongo maintained that, the current power situation is better than what was experienced under the erstwhile Mahama administration.

Watch full video below:

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Dumsor: I nearly collapsed in elevator – Parliamentary staffer

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Parliament has refuted allegations of owing the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) GH¢23 million in unpaid electricity bills, which allegedly led to a power outage during Thursday’s proceedings.

Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, the Deputy Clerk of the Corporate and Financial Management Services Division in Parliament, stated that all necessary payments to the power distributor have been made.

The power outage occurred as legislators were debating President Akufo-Addo’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Outgoing Deputy Minister for Finance, Abena Osei-Asare, was addressing the house when the power went off, reportedly as part of ECG’s “Operation Zero Balance” initiative.

However, Mr. Ahumah Djietror expressed frustration, clarifying that Parliament has been fulfilling its payments, although the ECG’s system occasionally fails to register them.

He said, “As far as we are concerned, we’ve made payment, all the payment we have made, some have not reflected in their system, that’s what I’m saying, some do not reflect in their system.

“We have a breakdown, so we showed it to the Deputy Managing Director, we are just coming from his office.”

“I said they should reconcile the account. We are going to get the bank to extract all the payments we’ve made in terms of the dates.

“I’m not sure how it’s captured, so there’s a gap in terms of the reconciliation as to what is the outstanding Bill.”

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The Executive Secretary of the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, Moses Foh-Amoaning has expressed readiness to meet Prof Audrey Gadzekpo in ocurt over the anti-LGBTQI+ bill.

The legal practitioner has said the court will be provided with all the facts on why the Bill is important which will be thoroughly examined.

This according to him will leave no room for opponents to preach propaganda on the basis of human right.

“They say they are going to court, the law school is very close to Supreme Court, and we are waiting for Audrey Gadzekpo. In the Supreme Court, she won’t get the opportunity to preach propaganda, the court will examine the evidence, we will present graphic evidence, we will demonstrate the sexual activities they engage in.

“So, Audrey, get ready, we are going to expose all these things, don’t think you are coming to court to talk about human rights, civil rights, no. In the court of law, we will prove the facts and the court will see what you are doing to Ghanaian children,” he stated in an interview on Accra-based 3FM.

Professor Gadzepko, who is the Board Chair for the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) Ghana among others have vowed to seek redress in the Supreme Court if President Akufo-Addo assents the Bill into law.

Following the passage of the Bill by Parliament on Wednesday, they have argued the current state violates human rights.

If assented to by the President, the bill will impose sanctions on willful promotion and engagement in LGBTQ activities in the country.

The bill prescribes a minimum sentence of six months and a maximum of three years for individuals caught in the act of same-sex activities.

Despite the opposing views, lawyer Foh-Amoaning has said the bill is a step in the right direction.

“Once a society decides that this sort of behaviour is something we don’t like and therefore we are criminalizing it, you cannot promote it.

“Otherwise, you will be committing a crime, you are abetting, you are preparing, you are assisting, all of which are offences under the law,” he added.

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Executive Secretary for the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, Moses Foh-Amoaning, has expressed confidence President Nana Akufo-Addo will assent to the anti-LGBTQI+ bill.

According to him, Akufo-Addo is a smart politician who will put the interest of the nation first.

“Well, the President is a very smart politician and what I’ve told everybody who’s asked me this question is, first of all there’s no President who has ascended the presidency of Ghana who has used the word of God more than this President.

“So, the point I’m trying to make is, with all that I know about the President, I know he will sign this bill,” he said in an interview on Accra-based 3FM.

The Bill passed on Wednesday by Parliament currently proscribes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activities and criminalises their promotion, advocacy and funding.

Persons caught in these acts would be subjected to six months to three-year jail term with promoters and sponsors of these acts bearing a three to five-year jail term.

The Bill would now require presidential assent to come into force but has been met with fierce criticisms amidst calls for Akufo-Addo for reject it.

The critics have argued the bill violates and infringes on fundamental human rights and have threatened to initiate legal action against it.

However, the legal practitioner has fought off the assertions, stating the bill will not criminalise individuals but provide care, treatment, and support.

“The focus of the Coalition is not to criminalize or dump people in prisons…those people who get caught in these challenges, we were very clear in our mind that what they needed was care treatment and support, and it’s in the bill.

“Sam George himself has been educated by relating with us. He has understood how false this whole human rights argument is, and when I listen to Audrey, she’s only talking standard LGBT template arguments. So, Sam probably then was not educated and he tells me that is the thing that pushed him and made him realize this is serious,” he added.

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A parliamentary employee has shared a distressing incident of nearly collapsing in an elevator in the Job 600 building on Thursday, due to a power outage.

The individual, who feared for his life, was fortunately rescued by colleagues and security personnel.

The power cut affected both the Parliament House and Job 600, the office complex for Members of Parliament (MPs), owing to a GHc23 million debt.

The disconnection, carried out by the National Taskforce of the Electricity Company of Ghana on Thursday, February 29, was part of the ongoing “Operation Zero Balance” initiative by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) task force, aimed at addressing outstanding arrears.

The anonymous staffer, speaking to Citi News on Thursday, recounted that he was on his way to the ninth floor from the ground floor when the lights went off on the second floor.

Despite attempts to contact engineers proving futile, the employee managed to reach out to colleagues, who, along with security personnel, came to their aid.

The employee detailed the challenges faced, including unsuccessful attempts to open elevator doors and seek help from passersby. Lack of air during the ordeal almost led to him fainting, highlighting the severity of the situation.

“I went downstairs and when I was coming from down to the ninth floor, I think somewhere on the second floor the light went out so I got stuck in the elevator and I tried calling the engineers too, but it wasn’t going through.

“The one I had too said he was at the annex. I called the other ones too still, they were taking time. So, I called my colleagues, and they came down there with the military guys and tried opening the gates so that at least I could take in some air. It is not a pleasant situation. I could see that I was passing out and I was out of air.”

“But with the help of my colleagues and the security guards finally after about 30 minutes of being stuck there, they were able to open it and get me out of there. I was the only person in there.

“Most of the time whenever I take the elevator I imagine being in the elevator and being stuck in it with no light in there how I will feel in there, I think today I have got to experience it but it is not a pleasant situation. It is just like you being locked up in a cell or something,” he said.

Responding to the thoughts running through his during the ordeal, he noted “…Oh God I didn’t plan for this and I hope this is not going to be my last day but when I got my colleagues on the line I knew that in no time they will get me out of there.”

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The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has asserted that the imprisonment of homosexual could increase lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) and related activities and not necessarily eliminate them.

In this regard, the President, Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi has called for a review of the anti-gay bill which proscribes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activities and criminalises their promotion, advocacy and funding.

“We think that in the case of this particular law and the way it is being implemented, being placed in prison as the punishment that they have chosen, it is not going to solve the problem. Because you see if you round up same-sex people and you know our prisons, they are going to end up in the same room and what is going to prevent them from going through these activities in the prison?

“And you are not going to put them there forever because they are going to be there for three months to six months. And then they practice this and come out as more experts at it than when you sent them there. Then you release them back into society. So, what is going to happen?” he quizzed in an interview on Accra-based Citi FM.

Reverend Gyamfi’s comment comes after Parliament on February 28 passed the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill to criminalizes LGBTQ activities, their promotion, advocacy, and funding.

Individuals found guilty could face a jail term ranging from six months to three years, while promoters and sponsors of these activities could face a three-to-five-year jail term.

The passage has however been met with mixed reactions from groups and individuals both in Ghana and abroad while Ghanaians wait on President Nana Akufo-Addo to assent it into law.

There have also been several threats of legal action should the President go ahead to assent to the bill.

Acknowledging the church was not against the bill, he stressed reformative and corrective sanctions will be better.

“That is why we were concerned about a punishment that will correct them, that will reform them. So if the government is going this way or if the parliament is going this way that is why we are suggesting that in the prison there, they should add more of the corrective and reformative measures,” he said,

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The Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Joseph Akanjolenur Whittal, is questioning what legislators were trying to achieve with the introduction and subsequent passage of the controversial anti-LGBTQ+bill.

According to him, the world is fast becoming a global village; therefore, enacting laws based on culture and tradition is retrogressive.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on February 29, he said “This thing that we are joking with if we don’t take time, it will boomerang in our face and the signals are coming. So, is it worth the so-called values that we are thinking of in a globalised world?”he quizzed.

On Wednesday, February 28, after three years, Parliament passed the controversial bill that criminalises what proponents of the bill describe as deviant behaviour and its promotion.

This news has instilled fear in the LGBTQ+ community as it puts their lives at risk.

However, Mr Whittal has assured them that they are safe as long as the bill is not assented to by the President, so they should feel secure.

The bill imposes a prison sentence of up to three years for anyone convicted of identifying as LGBTQ+. It also imposes a maximum five-year jail term for forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups.

MPs frustrated attempts to replace prison sentences with community service and counselling.

The Commissioner appealed to the President not to approve the bill, considering his background in human rights.

“This bill is not a law, so it cannot be used against anybody. There are still processes to make it a law. That is why I am raising the challenge to the presidency to consider whether he shouldn’t exercise his right of rejection on the basis of constitutionality aired against human rights. If it makes it through him, and if he also assents, I know there is a bunch of people who are ready to challenge the constitutionality of this bill before the Supreme Court.”

“It is early days yet. I will advice them, they should hold on. While all these things are working out, I have confidence that somewhere along the line something will shift.

“We cannot just use the principle of our cultural values and throw all of us under the bus. We need to be very careful as a people,” he added.

In a rebuttal on the same show, the lead sponsor of the bill, Sam George, disagreed with Commissioner Whittal’s views.

According to him, the Commissioner has a job because of the Ghanaian constitution; therefore, for him to speak as though he was employed by an international institution is misguided.

The Ningo Prampram MP argued that with the position adopted by the Commissioner of CHRAJ, it proves that he will be unfit to sit on any LGBTQ+ case brought to his outfit.

“When he speaks in a manner that is even prejudicial before a matter will come to him, it will not be fit for him to sit on any matter involving this bill.”

“His position on this bill from presenting memoranda against the bill all the way to public advocacy against the bill makes him unfit to sit as a Commissioner of CHRAJ on any petition that will come there because he already has a prejudiced position. His argument on human rights on this network is that some international human rights person said that sexual preference is a human right.

“He did not state what law that person used and whether that law takes precedence over the constitution that created CHRAJ, that gave him a job,” he added.

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The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga has expressed dissatisfaction over President Akufo-Addo’s address on the conflict in Bawku.

President Nana Akufo-Addo in his State Of the Nation Address (SONA) expressed deep concerns regarding the expenditure incurred in resolving the Bawku conflict.

The President lamented that, the funds could have been invested in other developmental projects but were instead being used to ensure security in and around Bawku in the Upper East Region.

But, debating on the Address on the floor of the House, Mahama Ayariga said he expected the President to address the plight of residents who suffered from alleged military brutalities.

However, the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, Dr Stephen Amoah, stated that, President Akufo-Addo demonstrated empathy and gave a sense of hope in his State of the Nation Address.

According to him, the Akufo-Addo administration has seen an improvement in the fight against corruption after initiating pragmatic measures to fight against the menace.

Dr. Stephen Amoah made these remarks during the debate on the floor of Parliament.

Touching on the issue of unemployment, the Nhyiaeso MP claimed, during the COVID-19 pandemic, government continued to pay public workers while private sector workers were losing their jobs.

He further argued that, the government through various policies is curbing the issue of unemployment.

Electricity supply to the Parliament House and Job 600, the office complex for Members of Parliament, has been disconnected due to a GH¢23 million debt.

The disconnection was carried out by the National Taskforce on Thursday, February 29, as part of the “Operation Zero Balance” initiative by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) task force, aimed at recovering overdue debts from various customers.

But efforts to get full payment provided futile leading to the disconnection.

Joy News’ Kwaku Asante, reported a brief power outage lasting close to three minutes before the standby generator was switched on.

Watch video below:

While debate on SONA was ongoing, just after Abena Osei Asare had debated that the lights had been kept on, the lights went off in the chamber. #JoyNews pic.twitter.com/h89ahZLQdu

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) February 29, 2024

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The Board Chair of the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Audrey Gadzekpo, has criticised Ningo Prampram Member of Parliament (MP) following the passage of the anti-LGBTQI+ bill.

According to her, Mr George, who is the lead proponent in 2015 defended the rights of LGBTQI individuals and is therefore seeking answers on what changed his mind.

This she alleged was when former President John Dramani Mahama was rumored to have had a gay friend who was sponsoring him.

“I am telling you that they have passed it not for any reason but for political reasons. Mr Sam George the Chief proponent of the bill in 2015 when his candidate John Mahama was being accused of having a friend who was a homosexual sponsoring him etc. Sam George is on record saying that the constitution protects those rights.

“So I have to wonder why he changed his mind…What has changed? 10 years ago did he have a different morality from today, from 2021 when he proposed the bill,” she said in an interview on Accra-based Citi FM.

Her comment follows the passage of the controversial bill which proscribes LGBTQI+ activities and criminalises its promotion, advocacy and funding.

Persons caught in the act would be subjected to six months to three-year jail term with promoters and sponsors of the act bearing a three to five-year jail term.

However, Prof Gadzekpo has claimed the Anti-Gay Bill was passed for political reasons.

“That is why I am saying there is politics. They are walking over the bodies of vulnerable people,” she stated.

Professor Gadzekpo together with 14 professionals in various fields including law and academia in October 2021 submitted a memo to Parliament to kick against the anti-LGBTQI+ bill.

In the view of these 15 individuals, the bill is an “impermissible invasion of the inviolability of human dignity, adding railroading the bill through would mean challenging Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.

Following the passage on Wednesday, she has reiterated her stance, stating the bill is unnecessary and President Nana Akufo-Addo should not assent for it to be passed into law.

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The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram and a leading sponsor of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, Sam George, has addressed misconceptions and misinformation surrounding the controversial legislation.

Mr George on JoyNews’ PM Express, expressed his frustration over what he deemed as misinformation and miseducation circulating about the bill. One of the primary issues he tackled was the claim that LGBTQ+ individuals would face discrimination in job applications.

“Does anyone ask you who you slept within your bedroom when applying for a job? What happens in the confines of your bedroom remains the business of you and your partner,” he stated.

The legislator was reacting to an earlier contribution by Dr Amanda Odoi, another panelist on the show who had indicated that the passage of the Anti-LGBTQ Bill will not only infringe on the rights of LGBTQ+ people and make them feel unsafe in their own country, but will also face discrimination in job applications

However, the MP in his argument said that when individuals choose to define themselves by their sexual preference publicly, it becomes a matter of public policy. He defended the bill’s focus on regulating such matters, asserting that public policy would naturally apply.

Mr George also addressed the issue of funding, suggesting that some proponents of LGBTQ+ rights may be more interested in financial support than the welfare of Ghanaian children.

“If this is all about funding for you, I am more interested in the sanctity of Ghanaian children,” he said.

Highlighting the international context, Mr George pointed out the discrepancy in LGBTQ+ rights enforcement in various countries. He mentioned that individuals respect and adhere to the laws of countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia when traveling there.

Comparing Nigeria’s 15-year jail term to Ghana’s 3-year jail term when found culpaple in engaging in LGBTQ+ activities, Mr George questioned the moral authority opposers of the LGBTQ+ Bill would travel to Nigeria and still conform with their rules.

“… but think that Ghana should become a juggle because we think we are so liberal,” he stated.

Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, unanimously passed the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill following the completion of the third reading.

The anti-LGBTQ+ Bill has been a topic of intense debate and discussion since it was introduced to the legislature three years ago. While proponents argued that it is necessary to uphold cultural and religious values, opponents argued that portions of the Bill violates human rights and promotes discrimination.

Since its passage, many opponents have shared their displeasure with some Civil society groups threatening to take legal action should President Akufo-Addo assent to the bill for it to become law.

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A coalition of 18 Civil Society groups has threatened to head to the Supreme Court should President Nana Akufo-Addo assent to the Proper Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021.

The group has kicked against the bill also known as the anti LGBTQI+, arguing that it infringes on Ghana’s diverse cultural and religious landscape.

The anti-LGBTQ+ bill was unanimously passed by Parliament on February 28, after nearly three years of deliberation. The bill seeks to criminalise the activities of the LGBTQ+ community.

It imposes a prison sentence of up to three years for anyone convicted of identifying as LGBTQ+. It also imposes a maximum five-year jail term for forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups.

MPs frustrated attempts to replace prison sentences with community service and counselling.

Speaking to JoyNews, the Board Chair of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development CDD-Ghana, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, said the groups will make presentations to President Akufo-Addo not to assent to the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

She expressed disappointment that with all the opportunities Ghana had when the bill was proposed, Parliament did not see good reason to decide that such a bill did not fit into the country’s democracy.

“It’s an obnoxious bill. It’s kind of like criminal libel, which the colonialists introduced, and we retained it. And it was used improperly against people, including journalists. We will come to find that this is like that,” she said.

Prof. Gadzekpo hoped that a government characterised by sound judgment would assume power and repeal the bill.

Commenting on the next line of action for the coalition since Parliament has passed the bill, Prof Gadzekpo said the group will continue to pursue their advocacy and continue to repeat why the anti-LGBTQ+ bill is harmful to the country’s democracy and development.

She was optimistic that President Akufo-Addo would listen to their plight.

“So we will make representation to the president, not to assent to the bill. I personally believe that this bill’s proposal through enactment – even the argumentation has very little to do with wanting to safeguard Ghanaian family values because the present danger that endangers our family values were never addressed in this bill.

“This bill was just narrowly targeted at minorities because they know that a majority of people don’t agree with a sexuality that is not binary.

“But the fact that a majority of people don’t agree with a minority position doesn’t make the majority right. It’s such a fundamental principle of democracy. That is why there are so many provisions in democratic constitutions that protect minorities and minority views and rights, but unfortunately, it fell on deaf ears,” she stressed.

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Samuel Nartey George, a lead sponsor of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021, has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to assent to the Bill following its passage by Parliament on Wednesday, February 28.

“We want the President to walk his talk by appending his signature to the bill to enable it to come into force,” he said.

Addressing the Parliamentary Press Corps after the passage of the Bill, the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram, said there was considerable support among MPs for the passage of the Bill.

He, therefore, expressed appreciation to colleague MPs, and particularly Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, a former Majority Leader, for their commitment to ensuring the bill was passed.

“We want to thank Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who played a pivotal role in passing this bill,” the MP told the media.

Mr George also underscored the unity among MPs in the House during the whole process, adding: “The overwhelming majority from both sides of the aisle have endorsed this bill.”

He pledged the collaboration of members of Parliament with the media to ensure extensive public education on the bill.

The objective of the Bill is to provide for proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian Family Values, which proscribes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) and related activities.

The Bill currently proscribes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activities and criminalises their promotion, advocacy and funding.

Persons caught in these acts would be subjected to six months to three-year jail term with promoters and sponsors of these acts bearing a three to five-year jail term.

The Bill would now require presidential assent to come into force.

In May 2023, Uganda signed one of the world’s toughest anti-LGBT laws, including the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.”

 Activists said it unleashed a wave of abuse and the World Bank suspended new funding to the country.

The United Nations said in 2021 that the proposed law would create “a system of state-sponsored discrimination and violence” against sexual minorities.

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Civil society groups are exerting pressure on President Akufo-Addo to reject the newly passed anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

According to the group, the bill was unnecessary as some of the issues it seeks to tackle are already catered for in various criminal laws.

Speaking on behalf of the Civil Society Group on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Board Chair of CDD-Ghana, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, said“ We are not prevaricating, we are against the entire bill. We say the bill is not necessary because some of the provisions that I think make people say yes, we need a bill like that have already been catered for in our criminal law.”

“For example, paedophilia so Honorable Afenyo Markin said as you can see he is not touching paedophilia, he thinks that pedophilia should be punished and he is right. Paedophilia should be punished but we have already a criminal code that punishes paedophilia. It addresses paedophilia.”

She argued that regarding the issue of homosexuality, portions of the criminal code already address it. Therefore, she could not understand the need to propose another bill to punish people believed to be involved in the act.

“We even already have the act that is interpreted as homosexuality. That act which says unnatural carnal knowledge, the criminal code already has it.

“So, if we don’t want people to be having sex in unnatural ways including oral sex which is in this bill then there is already a law in our criminal code inherited from our colonial masters who introduced it that it should be the case. So, exactly what is the issue?,” she added

Early on Wednesday, after nearly three years of deliberation, Parliament finally passed the highly contentious Anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

The bill, introduced in the house through a private members’ bill, was approved unanimously following the completion of the third reading.

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The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party(NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has reiterated his readiness to help the party sweep majority of parliamentary seats in the 2024 election.

This is evident in the setup of his campaign team which includes a Deputy Campaign Manager in charge of Parliamentary Elections.

In addition, a Parliamentary Elections Committee has been set up to focus fully on improving the fortunes of the party at the constituency level in the December 7 election.

The team is made up of the NPP General Secretary; Justin Frimpong Kodua, Akuapim South MP and Deputy Campaign Manager in charge of Parliamentary Elections, Osei Bonsu (OB) Amoah, First Deputy Majority Whip and MP for Tolon; Habib Iddrisu, Majority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam/Adoagyiri; Frank Annoh-Dompreh.

Majority Leader and MP for Effutu Alexander Afenyo Markin, and Deputy Majority Leader and MP for Asokwa Patricia Appiagyei are also part of the team.

These MPs have a track record of winning contentious elections and have gained enormous experience in parliamentary activities and their experiences will be very useful in that regard.

With only 10 months away from the election, the party has its sights on the parliamentary elections as it seeks to avoid another hung parliament.

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Parliament’s Appointments Committee is scheduled to vet the newly nominated ministers and deputies from Tuesday, March 5, to Tuesday, March 12.

Departing from his customary practice of maintaining ministers for prolonged periods, President Akufo-Addo conducted a significant cabinet overhaul in response to mounting pressure from various political parties, civil society groups, and even members of his own party.

This reshuffle, announced on Wednesday, February 14, affected approximately 12 current ministers, including 10 cabinet members and two regional ministers. Notably, Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta was among those removed from their positions.

President Akufo-Addo nominated certain deputy ministers to substantive ministerial roles, while others only migrated from one ministry to new ministries, and it is these individuals who will undergo the vetting process.

The timetable is outlined below:

Tuesday, March 5:

9 am: Andrew Egyapa Mercer, Minister-designate for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
10 am: Lydia Seyram Alhassan, Minister-designate for the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources
11 am: Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, Minister-designate for the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development
12 pm: Ophelia Mensah Hayford, Minister-designate for the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
2 pm: Darkoa Newman, Minister-designate for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection

Thursday, March 7:

9 am: Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, Minister-designate for the Ministry of Health
10 am: Titus Glover, Minister-designate for the Greater Accra Region
11 am: Fatimatu Abubakar, Minister-designate for the Ministry of Information
2 pm: Daniel Machator, Minister-designate for the Oti Region

Friday, March 9:

9 am: Dr Benjamin Sekyere Yeboah, Deputy Minister-designate for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
10 am: Sylvester Tetteh, Deputy Minister-designate for the Ministry of Information
11 am: Charles Acheampong, Deputy Minister-designate for the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation
12 pm: Adelaide Ntim, Deputy Minister-designate for the Ministry of Health
2 pm: Alexander Akwasi Acquah, Deputy Minister-designate for the Health Ministry

Monday, March 11:

9 am: Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Deputy Minister-designate for the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development
10 am: John Kobina Sanie, Deputy Minister-designate for the Energy Ministry
10 am: Collins Adomako Mensah, Deputy Minister-designate at the Energy Ministry
12 pm: Dr Prince Hamidu Armah, Deputy Minister-designate for the Works and Housing Ministry

Tuesday, March 12:

9 am: Kingsley Nyarko, Deputy Minister-designate for the Education Ministry
10 am: Festus Awuah Kwofie, Deputy Minister-designate for the Employment and Labour Ministry
11 am: Akwasi Konadu, Deputy Minister-designate for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources
Noon: Musah Abdul Aziz Ayaba, Deputy Minister-designate for the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Development

Minister for Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso Boakye has come under fire in Parliament for his continuous absence in Parliament to answer questions.

More than 10 questions for the Minister are pending and his Deputy Stephen Jalula attempted to step in.

But Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson said the explanation that the Minister is sick is untenable.

Minority Chief Whip, Kwame Governs Agbodza is warned that the absence will not be countenanced in the future.

“The former Roads Minister [Kwesi Amoako-Atta] was extremely diligent to this House and appeared religious before this House and answered questions and it is not a good start for him to fail to appear before us for the third time to answer his questions and we will forgive him today” he fumed.

However, the Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh said though the Minority’s concerns are legitimate, it should be done in decorum.

“I think our colleagues should not raise the temperature unnecessarily with the greatest of respect because the Whip has indicated and has communicated duly your concerns but I don’t know if repeating just for emphasis but the fact must be told.

“The early weeks that the member was nominated, he came to this House and answered a number of questions” he added.

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President Nana Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, February 27. 2024 delivered 2024 State of the Nation Address in Parliament.

This is in accordance with Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution.

The President gave updates in various sectors such as security, Governance, Education, Health, Infrastructure and efforts against corruption during his address.

President Akufo-Addo outline the government’s primary policy objectives for the year and detail strategies to enhance the current economic situation.

In attendance was Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former President John Mahama, Chief of Staff, Freda Opare and Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo.

Others were Chairman of the Council of State, Nana Otuo Siriboe II, IGP George Akuffo Dampare, CDS Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, among others.

Below are exclusive photos from the event

The Minority in Parliament has said given the true state of the economy, there is no way Ghanaians will miss President Nana Akufo-Addo.

Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson made these remarks after the President delivered the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Tuesday.

 “To conclude on this matter, Ghanaians voted for Vice President and are paying for the Vice President to support you [President Akufo-Addo] to succeed. Mr Speaker the President can not be alone. The President will have to fail together with the vice president. Mr President, you have failed with the Vice President.

“Mr Speaker, I conclude by saying that Ghanaians will not miss President Akufo-Addo and Alhaji Bawumia. We know you are going, we can only wish you bye–bye but you will never be missed,” he stated.

Akufo-Addo during his address highlighted the achievements chalked so far by his administration, including the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.

He also touched on the Bawku conflict, constitution amendment, Ghana’s IMF deal, health, the 2024 elections among others.

The President also acknowledged the prevailing economic challenges but indicated they were temporary.

But for the part of the Ajumako Anyan Essiam MP, Akufo-Addo painted a bright picture and failed to touch on pertinent issues such as unemployment.

“The unemployment situation in our country is at a critical point yet we did not hear a word from our President on this matter.

“Mr Speaker out of 33 million population, only 11.3 million are employed. This number includes peasant farmers. Mr Speaker the difference between the 33 million and the 11.3 million is what I call Nija, no income, no jobs, no assets.

“This means that 2 out of every 3 Ghanaians are unemployed. 30 per cent of the youth are jobless and about 4.5 million employable Ghanaian class are outside the labour force. This simply means that this number has simply given up on their search for jobs because of years of frustration and disappointment,” he added.

Dr Forson also touched on the latest ministerial reshuffle, stating the President only increased the size of his government despite the numerous calls for a downsize.

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The Rt. Hon, Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has stated that, the January, 2024 Standing Orders of Parliament makes the various Committee meetings of Parliament open and accessible to the general public.

This forms part of Parliament’s effort to deepen the open Parliament concept which demands transparency and accountability in all its activities of Parliament.

It would be recalled that, Ghana’s Parliament was recently ranked first in the Africa Open Parliament Index.

The Rt. Hon. Speaker made this statement in his opening address at the orientation workshop for the second cohort of Members of Parliament and Procedural Staff on the new Standing Orders in Kwahu, over the weekend.

According to the Speaker, the Standing Orders were discovered to have presented certain lacunae, anomalies, lack of clarity, and inconsistencies. He therefore indicated that, the development of the current Standing Orders has been under review since 2002 with the aim to ensuring that, the Orders are all-encompassing and reflective of evolving institutional needs.

To archive this, he stated that “In consultation with leadership I constituted a Technical Committee to speed up the review of the November 2000 Orders, consider its coverage and to provide for all the possible governance scenarios provided for in the framework of the 1992 Constitution.

The committee engaged with leadership, consulted various committees, sought the expertise of specialists in contemporary parliamentary democracy, and researched into current best practices in other jurisdictions. The result is the January 2024 Standing Orders”.

To buttress his point, he quoted the renowned American entrepreneur and scholar, Max Depree, who once said,”We cannot achieve what we desire if we remain stagnant in our current state.”

The Majority Leader and MP for Effutu, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin in his remarks was optimistic that, the revised standing orders of Parliament which include a dedicated segment known as ‘Backbenchers Time’ will foster inclusivity.

This initiative aims to provide Members of Parliament situated at the backbench with an opportunity to actively contribute their ideas and perspectives, thereby enriching the parliamentary practice.

He stressed the significance of allowing backbenchers to voice their opinions and put forth proposals that can enhance legislative processes.

“Mr. Speaker, then again, the introduction of ‘Backbenchers Time.’ For the first time, an opportunity is given to backbenchers who usually do not get the opportunity to have their day to articulate their views and bring meaningful statement proposals to enhance their legislative work.”

The Majority Leader emphasized the workshop’s importance and reiterated the transformative potential embedded in the new Standing Orders. He urged all Members of Parliament to actively participate, citing the advice of former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who once emphasized the crucial role Standing Oders play in an MP’s tenure.

“Mr. Speaker, colleagues, leadership, and honourable Members of Parliament, I will conclude by encouraging you to participate diligently in this workshop. As the former Majority Leader OseiKyei-Mensah-Bonsu said to me once, ‘that my ability to stay in the house depended largely on how I used my standing orders’ and this I share with you the first-timers who may be struggling in your job as MPs. Please make the Standing Orders your friend because, with it, no one can intimidate you in the Chamber. With it, your confidence level will go very high. With it, there will be no disappointment.”

Speaking on behalf of the Minority Leader, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah indicated that, it is indeed an important occasion as the vision for the revision of the Standing Orders which started over two decades ago and has been realised.

Stressing on the relevance of the revised orders, he stated that “Mr. Speaker, in any progressive society every functioning institution is governed by rules and without rules there would be mere anarchy. Much more importantly, as the Legislative arm of government, the conduct of business in Parliament needs to be guided by rules.”

In his welcome remarks, the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Cyril Kwabena Oteng Nsiah, indicated that, the hung nature of the Eighth Parliament, which is the first of its kind since the inception of the Fourth Republic, presents a number of novel situations and challenges that were not clearly provided for under the Standing Orders of November, 2000.

“This state of affairs required, therefore, that action be expedited on the revision of the Standing Orders to provide for aspects of our legislative procedures that were not within the contemplation of the drafters of previous Orders of the House” he added.

According to him, the orientation programme, would afford Hon. Members and procedural Officers the opportunity to familiarize themselves with contents of the revised Standing Orders, and provide the platform to seek clarity and understanding of provisions of the Orders to engender compliance with newly introduced procedures and practices of the House.

Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has said they will match the Minority boot-for-boot ahead of the debate on President Akufo-Addo’s State of the Nations Address (SONA).

According to him, they are going to juxtapose President Akufo-Addo’s SONa with that of former President John Mahama from 2014 to 2016.

Afenyo-Markin threw the challenge in a motion to adjourn sitting after the President’s address.

“We are prepared to engage in a debate on Mr. President’s message, given the current state of affairs in our country. However, as is customary, members will need time to prepare. I observed the Minority leader diligently taking notes. We will face him with optimism and remind him of the concerns expressed in 2014, 2015, and 2016,” the Majority leader stated.

He further requested Minority leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson second the motion for adjournment of Wednesday’s Parliamentary sitting.

Dr. Forson criticised President Akufo-Addo for failing to address the unemployment situation in the country.

“Unemployment has reached a critical juncture, yet there was no mention of this matter from our President. The state of our nation appears bleak” he added.

Dr. Ato Forson seconded the motion and promised a showdown during the debate.

The Speaker, Alban Bagbin adjourned sitting to Wednesday, February 28.

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President Akufo-Addo delivered his last but one State of the Nation Address to parliament on February 27, 2024.

Please read full speech below:

2024 Message on the State of the Nation by Dennis Adu on Scribd

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo thew a subtle shade at the Minority in Parliament ahead of his State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament said this would be his last address as President of Ghana.

But when he mounted the podium said ” I have one more to go”.

He said “Mr. Speaker, it is always invigorating to return to Parliament and fulfill the constitutional obligation outlined in Article 67 by presenting a message on the state of the nation. On this occasion, however, it marks my penultimate time. I have one more to go.”

Watch video below

#SONA2024: President Akufo Addo presents the State of The Nation's Address. https://t.co/HYKChhTR8E

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) February 27, 2024

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The Minority in Parliament briefly disrupted the State of the Nation address (SONA) of President Akufo-Addo with pro-Mahama chants.

Ahead of the address, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin introduced dignitaries invited into the house for the event on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

Speaker announced the names to the cheers of the legislators. One by one, the lists grew.

The Minority erupted into a thunderous roar when the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama was named.

They chanted, ‘JM will be back.’

Despite the Speaker’s call for order, the spirited singing and cheering persisted.

The introduction of Bawumia also drew reactions from the MPs, prolonging the noisy atmosphere.

After 5 minutes, the Speaker stood on his feet with a stern look at the NDC side of the aisle.

“When the Speaker is on his feet, everybody else is seated and quiet. That is parliament.” He cautioned against flouting the rules, emphasizing the formality of the occasion and the consequences of disregarding protocol, particularly in an election year.

His words restored order, and the House resumed proceedings peacefully.

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The Minority caucus in Parliament has ceased their boycott of the President’s State of the Nation’s Address (SONA) after the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama reportedly intervened.

The Minority members decided to boycott President Akufo-Addo’s final SONA on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

This action was provoked by Dr. Ernest Addison, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, labeling the caucus as hooligans.

The group was also protesting the President’s refusal to sign the anti-witchcraft bill.

But Mr. Mahaha is said to have talked them out of the boycott of President Akufo-Addo’s last State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament today, Tuesday, February 27, in accordance with Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution.

As mandated by this constitutional provision, the President will address the nation through Parliament at the commencement of each session.

The Members of Parliament on the Minority side are boycotting President Akufo-Addo’s 2024 State of the Nation Address.

Despite the President’s presence in the house, the MPs are absent from the chamber in protest.

JoyNews’ Kweku Asante who was in Parliament revealed that, they are calling for an apology from the Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison for allegedly calling them names.

They refused to enter the chamber without receiving this apology.

Additionally, they are protesting the decision by President Akufo-Addo not to sign some three bills passed in 2023 into law.

Meanwhile, the Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin is working to get the minority back into the chamber.

Member of Parliament for Zebilla, Cletus Avoka, has attributed the perceived corruption within the legislature to the relentless financial demands placed on Members of Parliament by constituents and the public.

During an interview with Starr FM, Avoka revealed that these demands from the public often leave MPs with little choice but to engage in corrupt practices, as they struggle to meet the expectations placed upon them.

He underscored how many MPs end up diverting their attention from legislative responsibilities towards personal business endeavors due to these pressures.

“Everyday MoMo. Everyday MoMo. Somebody is sick and has to go to the hospital, you have to send money, somebody is going to do a wedding you have to send money, they are going to do outdooring, they are asking for you. They are asking for school fees and whatnot.

“Many of us lose the election or Primaries not because we are not doing well but because we’re not giving money out. How do you give money out if you come and stay in parliament for 8 hours debating? You’re debating for 5 or 8 hours, you go home in the evening to sleep, and the following day you have no money to send. You have to go out and look for the money.”

“If I’m not corrupt, how can I maintain my seat? You have to be corrupt in one way or another. You have to look for more resources. If you have to look for more resources, you have to go out and do some work for a contractor. As a lawyer, maybe prepare a bill, or do this and that and whatnot? So I have half attention here, and half attention outside because I need more resources to be able to maintain my seat,” he stated.

Avoka emphasized the importance of media understanding, noting that the financial burdens MPs face, such as requests for healthcare expenses, contributions towards weddings, and school fees, contribute significantly to the perception of corruption.

Lawyer, Martin Kpebu has called for a thorough review of the 1992 Constitution.

He argued that, the Constitution in its current state is hindering the nation’s progress.

His remarks follow President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s recent government reshuffle and the subsequent resignation of Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu as Majority Leader in Parliament.

Mr. Kpebu contends that, Constitution is outdated with its provisions contributing to governance challenges and creating a power disparity among political parties.

To him, the Constitution excessively empowers political parties, leading to issues such as the sudden reshuffling of key leaders like Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.

In an interview with TV3, the lawyer expressed his dismay at the current development.

“It is extremely embarrassing that as Majority Leader, you hear about your dismissal in the news. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu hears about his dismissal in the news, and you think that’s acceptable? Is that how you reward someone for their dedicated service? What was the urgency? Why couldn’t the President or party leaders inform him beforehand?” he quizzed.

He said Article 300 of the Constitution, which grants political parties extensive powers to expel Members of Parliament they deem unfit make MPs subservient to party directives.

Mr. Kpebu stressed the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the Constitution to diminish the dominance of political parties over elected representatives.

“We need to reconsider our system of governance. Every governance issue seems to trace back to the constitution. We’re suffocating under this constitution. The power wielded by parties over MPs is excessive. We need a better system, one that moves away from the British model. When the dismissal occurred, I couldn’t help but question, can we solely blame the parties? It’s the laws that grant them such authority. We’ve given them too much power” he stated.

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Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has asserted that some Members of Parliament (MPs) are emotional during deliberations on the anti-LGBTQI+ bill.

The Effutu MP has reiterated that he is against the law, however, has issues with the punitive measures.

In an interview on Accra-based Citi TV, Mr Afenyo-Markin proposed the punishment must be reviewed.

“I think that the latest law we have in parliament, LGBT thing, I think that we shouldn’t be emotional about it. I have been thinking, battling this, should a man be incarcerated because of sexual relationships?

“I have been asking that. In principle, I’m not against the need to enact Ghanaian values but the punishment bit,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin had earlier opposed the provision of the bill that would lead to the imprisonment of individuals accused of engaging in or promoting LGBTQ+ activities.

He contended the bill’s punitive action would not aid in rehabilitating the culprits.

But the lawmaker has insisted that the law if passed, also has the potential to gag media houses.

“What you the media seem not to have realised is that there’s a subtle gag on you and also reintroduce criminal liable law. You guys have not read it?” he questioned.

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Zebila Member of Parliament (MP), Cletus Avoka has opined that it is a necessary evil for lawmakers to be corrupt.

According to the former Majority Leader, it will be difficult for an MP to maintain his or her seat of not corrupt due to the numerous demands from constituents.

In an interview, the long serving MP lamented have lost their seats because they could not live up to the demands of his people.

“The press should have been fighting for the MPs, should have been defending the MPs. Everyday MoMo, somebody is sick in the hospital, somebody wants to have a wedding, they are going to do outdooring, they are asking for school fees and what not.

“Many of us lose election not because we are not doing a good work, but because we are not giving money out,” he said in an interview with Accra-based GHOne TV.

Mr Avoka noted because most MPs do not have an extra stream of income, they resort to corrupt activities to satisfy the needs of constituents.

“How do we give money out when you come and stay there for five hours or eight hours debating and close in the evening to go and sleep, the following day you have no money to send.

"If I'm Not Corrupt How Can I Maintain My Seat?" – Cletus Avoka#GHOneNews #GHOneTV pic.twitter.com/RUqoZs2L6f

— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) February 26, 2024

“You have to go out there and look for the money. Do some work for a contractor and as a lawyer, maybe prepare a bill. That’s where the corruption starts. If I am not corrupt how do I maintain my seat? You have to be corrupt one way or the other, you have to look for more resources because I need more resources to maintain my seat,” he added.

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is set to deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament today, Tuesday, February 27, as mandated by Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution.

The President is expected to provide updates in various sectors such as security, Governance, Education, Health, Infrastructure and efforts against corruption during his address.

Additionally, the speech will outline the government’s primary policy objectives for the year and detail strategies to enhance the current economic situation.

Earlier in February, the then Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, announced the President’s upcoming address in Parliament.

“Mr. Speaker, in accordance with Article 67 of the Constitution, H.E the President will deliver a message on the State of the Nation on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Honourable Members are urged to be present for this important event” he added.

This upcoming address is President Akufo-Addo’s last presentation to Parliament before the end of his term.

The Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Energy of Parliament has paid an industrial tour to Strategic Mobilizations Limited (SML) to familiarise itself and appreciate the work it does.

The Committee toured the operation and data center in Tema where the company has a network of petroleum depots and a meter reading centre.

Addressing the media after the meeting and tour, Chairman of the Mines and Energy Committee Chairman, Samuel Atta Akyea said the Committee appreciates the work of the SML as a world-class audit firm.

He said some individuals have unfairly targeted Ghanaian-owned company that was contributing to revenue generation without fully understanding the company’s contributions and operations.

The chairman commended highly the work though the House will invite the company to Parliament for a briefing.

He was amazed at the world-class installation the Committee had come to see at first hand.

Currently, the President is awaiting the investigative audit by KPMG with a four-point referee with compliance, the need for the contract, performance, and the procurement process of selection of SML for the work they are doing.

Dr Yaa Serwa Sarpong, Director of Support Services of SML said the company’s performance in the petroleum downstream has been enormous, stressing all stakeholders in the industry appreciate its work.

She added that, the taxation petroleum audit and revenue assurance has seen a double increment.

“Before SML records show that government revenue assurance with taxable Petroleum products was around 250 million liters which is now an average of 45-48 million liters and that translates into over GHS12 billion” she noted.

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The Member of Parliament (MP) for Tolon Constituency, Alhaji Habib Iddrisu has brought honour to Tolon after being elevated as 1st Deputy Majority Chief Whip.

The lawmaker who is serving the last year of his first term in the legislature, becomes the first MP in the Fourth Republican constitution from the area, to have been elevated to such status.

By the promotion which was announced by the Speaker of Parliament, Right Honourable Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Habib Iddrisu will now be among leaders of the side of the majority who sit on the front row in the chamber.

Considered one of the hardworking and result-oriented lawmakers from the Northern Region, Alhaji Habib Iddrisu has prioritized the needs of his constituents in the areas of education, health, infrastructural development, among others.

Speaking briefly on his new role, he revealed that it would spur him on to do more for his constituency and the country as a whole, promising to lend the needed support to his side for the effective execution of business in the house.

“This came to me as a surprise, I am optimistic it will spur me on to do more for my constituency and the country at large. I have a responsibility to lend the needed support to the leader of my side and colleagues for the overall development of mother Ghana”, he disclosed.

New Changes

Following an emergency meeting between the majority Caucus members and President Nana Akufo-Addo, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stepped down on Wednesday, February 21.

In a meeting of the National Council of the NPP on Friday, February 23, 2024, where the changes were confirmed, the Suame MP who is in his final term was confirmed as a Minister of Parliamentary Affairs despite his resignation as Majority Leader.

Presenting the recommendations and the concurrence letter from the Majority Caucus, the General Secretary of the NPP Justin Frimpong Koduah who was part of the emergency meeting, indicated that the caucus sought approval from the National Council, which convened at the Alisa Hotel in Accra.

This process he added, adheres to the provisions of Order 6 of the Standing Orders of Parliament (2024), as interpreted by Speaker Alban SK Bagbin. The Speaker’s interpretation emphasized the significant role of parliamentary caucuses in leadership selection while maintaining the involvement of political parties in the process to ensure a balance between internal party democracy and parliamentary norms.

Per the NEC’s recommendations, the newly appointed leadership team for the Majority Front Bench will consist of:

Majority Leader: Alexander Afenyo-Markin, MP for Effutu

Deputy Majority Leader: Patricia Appiagyei, MP for Asokwa

Majority Chief Whip: Frank Annoh Dompreh, MP for Nsawam/Adoagyiri

First Deputy Majority Chief Whip: Habib Iddrisu, MP for Tolon

Second Deputy Majority Chief Whip: Alex Tetteh Djornobuah, MP for Sefwi Akontombra

Wa West Member of Parliament (MP), Peter Lanchene Toobu, has opened up on the downside of his political career after leaving the Ghana Police Service.

The former Executive Secretary to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has revealed he lost a lot of friends after deciding to join politics.

The astute former Police Superintendent has said his decision was borne out of passion to contribute to the human and socio-economic development in Wa West.

“To serve your nation in a different capacity as a member of Parliament is one thing I have always wanted the opportunity to to speak about and advise people. I lost so many friends.

“Commissioners called me and some were like, you don’t have to do this. You are the I. And I was even hoping that if I became IGP, you continue to serve me. I said, I’ve done three already and I think that it’s time for me to also do something new. And this is a call. It doesn’t matter what you do,” he said.

But many did not take that lightly, especially because of his political affiliation.

“The family is core in our lives. If family calls, have respect that the is calling is to put me in the in the perspective that is national in character, that they want me to become a member of Parliament and to serve them.

“So I responded to that call positively, and I lost a lot of friends because the people were like, oh, now he’s NDC. We used to be friends. I don’t support the NDC party. So he’s no longer my friend, right? And I felt so sad. And people say, oh, now he’s NDC. I didn’t know that he could even become part of this party,” he disclosed in an interview on Accra-based 3FM.

According to him, he had paid his dues in the Police Service and needed to focus elsewhere.

“People come to the office of the IGP and it’s like, God put you here to help me. I was so shocked that you did this to me without even knowing me. I said, I am an administrator and I sit in the highest office. What I do is to ensure that police operations strive well in the field. People who are in the field running helter-skelter trying to bring crime under control.

“When I find myself in the office, I should play my role to the point that you will feel very comfortable in the field. And that is exactly what I was doing. I don’t need to know. You physically know I need to know you per record and your records will handle said that you are encouraged out there to work. When I left, a lot of them got disappointed,” he added.

However, Mr Toobu said he is grateful to God new friends have come his way in his political endeavour.

“As I lost many, I gained many. So I think that as a politician for the past three years, I’ve made some very new friends and I’ve consolidated my hold on some old friends who believe that. Listen, it’s all about the vision of people and change, right?

“Where do you want to go? To ours. Where do you want to go in your own life? How do you influence society with the little time that you have in this world, after how many years I was going to leave? Time is running against us. All of us should rise up and do something for this country. Don’t wait and say tomorrow. Procrastination is the thief of time,” he stated.

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The President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has waded into the resignation of Suame Member of Parliament (MP), Osei Kyei-Mnesah-Bonsu as Majority Leader.

According to him, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) sacrificed its long-serving MP on the altar of expediency.

“I think the party must have sacrificed Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu on the altar of expediency, partly because he said he was not returning to Parliament and also because the party needed someone in the saddle who may be promoting the party’s interests.

“Expediency was that, ‘let’s send a certain signal to the electorate out there that we are probably interested in gearing up their support base with new life’ and whatever that means, I don’t know how that goes into winning an election but they are on the ground and so they probably know better,” he said in an interview on Accra-based Citi TV.

The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, resigned from his position following rife reports about a proposed reshuffle.

Despite his claims that it was voluntary, many believe he was pushed out of his position.

But Mr Cudjoe has said such actions are morally questionable and improper.

“It should have been a much more accommodating experience where the various parties were spoken with and had a conversation on how this could have been done seamlessly without any party taking a lot of pain,” he added.

Meanwhile, Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin who was Kyei Mensah’s Deputy has been appointed his successor.

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Parliament has rescheduled the ratification the “Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values,” often called the anti-gay bill, to Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

This adjustment aligns with the updated Standing Orders of the House, which requires a minimum interval of one sitting day before the third reading of a Bill.

Meanwhile, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader in Parliament, has withdrawn his proposed amendments to the Bill.

This decision follows the House’s rejection of two proposals that sought to replace imprisonment with community service for individuals found engaged in LGBT activities.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin also withdrew his latest amendment, which proposed mandatory counseling on human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values as a post-conviction sentence.

On Thursday, February 8, Parliament endorsed a measure imposing a three-to-five-year prison sentence for individuals intentionally promoting or sponsoring LGBTQ+ activities.

Those apprehended engaging in such acts could be sentenced to a minimum of 6 months and up to 3 years in jail.

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In a heartfelt address to his fellow Members of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has expressed deep gratitude upon assuming the esteemed role of Majority Leader, a position he once deemed unattainable.

“I never imagined this day would come,” Afenyo-Markin said in Parliament on Friday, February 23.

In a moment of vulnerability, he shared the narrative of his life’s trials, particularly in Winneba, where his political odyssey commenced.

Afenyo-Markin recounted how he almost gave up his parliamentary dream in 2004 because people said he was too young.

However, the trajectory toward political triumph took an inspiring turn in 2012 when Afenyo-Markin emerged victorious in the parliamentary election to represent the people of Effutu in Parliament.

His unwavering resilience and dedication to public service ultimately surmounted the obstacles that once obstructed his political aspirations.

Moving forward, Mr. Afenyo-Markin said he will champion unity among the Minority and Majority in Parliament.

“Honourable Minority Leader, let me assure you that we are going to have a time of bipartisanship. I want to assure you of my commitment…we are going to work together because the happiness and the unity of this house shall materially depend on me and I cannot afford to allow rancour to prevail,” he stated.

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