Haruna Iddrisu, the NDC Member of Parliament for Tamale South, has expressed dismay over a letter from the presidency cautioning parliament regarding the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill, labeling it as ‘unfortunate.’ He views this action as a threat to Ghana’s democracy and emphasizes the need for condemnation.
In his view, the presidential intervention signifies an attempt to exert dominance over other branches of government, particularly Parliament, which he argues is contrary to the principles of Ghana’s constitution. He highlights the constitutional provision of separation of powers and questions the legitimacy of the president’s secretary writing to the Clerk of Parliament instead of the president directly addressing the Speaker of Parliament, as mandated by parliamentary protocols.
Haruna Iddrisu stresses that the communication lacks official weight and should be disregarded by the clerk. He asserts that the foundation of Ghana’s governance lies in the distinct roles of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, with Parliament entrusted with the authority to legislate.
The Office of the President, through a letter dated March 18, 2024, advised Parliament to refrain from forwarding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill to President Akufo-Addo for approval. This directive, according to Nana Bediatuo Asante, Secretary to the President, is based on the acknowledgment of pending legal proceedings seeking an interlocutory injunction before the Supreme Court.
