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Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has suspended the approval of ministerial and deputy ministerial nominees.
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His decision follows President Akufo-Addo’s refusal to sign the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.
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The presidency instructed Parliament to halt action on the bill, citing a pending interlocutory injunction at the Supreme Court.
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In response, Bagbin said the same legal restrictions also prevent Parliament from processing Akufo-Addo’s ministerial nominees.
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He criticized what he described as “executive overreach,” warning it undermines democratic checks and balances.
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Bagbin emphasized that Parliament would not allow the President’s Executive Secretary to direct its Clerk, who is a constitutionally recognized officer of Parliament.
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He also informed MPs of a case filed by MP Rockson-Nelson Etse K. Dafeamekpor seeking a Supreme Court injunction to block the vetting and approval of the nominees.
Speaker of the House Alban Bagbin has put a stop to the nominations of Ministers and Deputy Ministers of State due to Akufo-Addo’s refusal to sign the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values law.
The outcome of Bagbin’s decision was an interlocutory injunction requested by South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Etse K. Dafeamekpor at the Supreme Court. This order stops Parliament from approving President Akufo-Addo’s nominees for new ministries.
In order for President Akufo-Addo to sign the Bill on Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, Bagbin has ceased presenting it to Parliament per an order from the executive branch. Parliament received a cease-and-desist letter from the presidency.
The presidency cited the Supreme Court’s ongoing interlocutory application as support for its decision.
In a formal reply, Bagbin reiterated that the same requirements prevented Parliament from confirming further ministers.
Concerning what he called “executive overreach” that seriously jeopardizes democratic values, the Speaker expressed serious concerns.
He underlined that these acts have far-reaching consequences that go beyond simple legislative issues, weakening the fundamental checks and balances that are essential to a healthy democracy.
Speaking to the latest events, Bagbin pledged that the Ghanaian Parliament would respect the current legal system and oppose any efforts by the President’s Executive Secretary to give instructions to the Clerk of Parliament. He stressed the Clerk’s constitutionally recognized duty as an Officer of Parliament.
Bagbin also briefed the lawmakers on a lawsuit filed by Rockson-Nelson Etse K. Dafeamekpor against the Attorney General and the Speaker, which seeks an injunction to stop the President’s candidates from being vetted and approved. Serving on March 19, 2024, this injunction motion seeks to guarantee constitutional conformity.
