Sam George calls for interpretation of Article 108 over Akufo-Addo's failure to assent to 3 Bills
19th December 2023 2:48:56 PM
2 mins read
Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, is advocating for Parliament to seek an interpretation of Article 108 of the Constitution from the Supreme Court. This suggestion comes in light of President Akufo-Addo's refusal to sign certain bills into law, citing violations of Article 108.
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Sam George, the lead sponsor of the controversial anti-LGBTQ bill, suggests that a legal interpretation of Article 108 by the Supreme Court would provide clarity on its limits for Parliament.“The resolution to this matter is for all of us to go to the Supreme Court. Parliament must go to the Supreme Court to seek interpretation of Article 108 and let the judges distinguish it for us.
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"Is it the position of the law, or is it the intention of the framers of the 1992 constitution that Parliament can not on its own pass legislation? Then let's know that parliament is a rubber stamp Parliament and can not pass legislation," he said.Sam George emphasized that seeking an interpretation from the Supreme Court is aimed at clarity and not a legal challenge against the President.
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Additionally, Francis Xavier Sosu, a key sponsor of the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2023, expressed disappointment, suggesting that the President chose to politicize the bill instead of considering the interests of vulnerable women.“I think that he [President] is being misled or better still he is choosing politics over the protection of human rights. He is choosing politics over the protection of women’s rights.
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He is choosing politics over protecting vulnerable women in various witch camps probably dying on a daily basis,” he said.On December 4, President Akufo-Addo mentioned that he couldn't sign certain bills, including the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2023 and the Armed Forces Amendment Bill 2023, into law due to constitutional concerns.
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