Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin is still unenthused by President Akufo-Addo's reluctance to give his assent to three bills passed by Parliament.
This comes days after the Speaker informed Parliament that he disagrees with the decision to not sign the Abolition of Death Penalty/Witchcraft bills into law.
Bagbin contends that the President's decision not to sign the three private member’s bills reflects a misunderstanding of the constitutional processes in the country.
"Absence of a judicial determination from the Supreme Court, the President’s unilateral assessment of unconstitutionality does not hold legal water. It is a departure from the established legal procedure, norms, and practices that govern our constitutional democracy.
"The appropriate lawful response if there were genuine concerns about the constitutionality of the legislative action of this house would have been to seek judicial review from the Supreme Court."
In a letter addressed to Parliament, President Akufo-Addo explained that his refusal to sign the Criminal Offences Amendment Bills 2023 Numbers 1 and 2 and the Ghana Armed Forces Amendment Bill 2023 was a result of their financial implications on the consolidated fund and their contravention of the constitution.
The Bills were passed by the House in July 2023 and presented to the President in August and November this year for his assent.
Speaking on the floor today, the Speaker further indicated that "the steps taken by the president in this matter reflect a misunderstanding of the constitutional process and undermine the principles that uphold our democratic governance."
“The constitutional responsibility to determine whether a bill falls under Article 108 or not is mandated and it resides in the person presiding over the proceedings."
Latest Stories
-
Prof Gadzekpo reminds journalists of their independent over role in elections
30 seconds -
2 dead, 5 hospitalised in Spintex gas explosion
28 mins -
We can all help improve the media’s credibility – Audrey Gadzekpo
40 mins -
2024 polls: Don’t add up to mistrust in state institutions – Sheikh Aremeyaw to media
48 mins -
Ghana backs Palestine’s bid for full United Nations membership
1 hour -
Prempeh I International Airport will open the Ashanti Region for trade and investment – Ahiagbah
2 hours -
Election 2024: The media should set the right agenda – Prof Audrey Gadzkpo
2 hours -
GRA/SML contract: Respect presidency’s decision to withold full KPMG report – Deputy AG
3 hours -
Transport Minister sues ‘The Law Platform’ for defamation, demands GH¢5m in damages
3 hours -
Footballer, 3 others remanded over murder of 2 policemen at Trasacco
3 hours -
Togbe Afede calls for restructuring as BoG spends GH¢1.62bn on employees in 2022
3 hours -
Mpohor NDC constituency secretary, proprietor arrested for allegedly registering minors
3 hours -
Livestream: Newsfile discusses ‘ensuring credible elections; role of the media’ on Joy Change Speakers Series VII
3 hours -
We lack the political will to fight illegal mining – Awula Serwah
4 hours -
Decision to name Kumasi Airport after Otumfuo Nana Agyeman Prempeh I wasn’t difficult – Akufo-Addo
4 hours