Speaker Alban Bagbin has accused the US Vice President for meddling in the affairs of the country following her comments on the country’s position on LGBTQ+.
This was after Kamala Harris was asked about the development at the Jubilee House on Monday. Madam Harris did not directly address the Anti-gay bill in Ghana’s Parliament but restated her stance on human right violation against minorities adding that her position remains unchanged.
However, the Speaker has described the comments as undemocratic.
“This thing should not be tolerated. That is undemocratic. That someone else would have to dictate as to what is good and what’s bad? It’s unheard of,” he said during a meeting with some religious leaders.
He further criticised President Akufo-Addo for saying that he will “come in” after Parliament decides on the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.
Speaker Alban Bagbin has categorically stated that President Akufo-Addo cannot overturn the outcome of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill should Parliament pass it.
“The Bill is going through the Parliament [and] the Attorney has found it necessary to speak to the committee about it regarding the constitutionality, otherwise, of several of its provisions and the Parliament is dealing with it.
“At the end of the process I will come in but in the meantime the Parliament is dealing with it. And then I have no doubt that the Parliament of Ghana will show as it’s done in the past, first of all its sensitivity to human rights issues as well as to the feelings of our population and we’ll come out with a responsible response to the proposed Bill,” the President added.
However, it appears this comment has triggered anger buttons of some personalities in the country, of which the Speaker is among.
In reaction, the Speaker called President’s bluff, insisting he (President Akufo-Addo) has no say after Parliament decides on the Bill.
“The Bill will be passed…That answer he gave that it’s now before Parliament and when it gets to a stage that he has to he will come in. Hey, please , this is Legislation, this is not Execution.
“Wait until we pass it and we direct you to execute it . That is when you come in, that’s why we are the representatives of the people. So in terms of Law which is part of policy, we finalise it and then the Executive now has the authority to implement it.
“Let’s get this clear, while this Bill is before here, he’s not in charge , I am in charge,” he added.