The Member of Parliament for Kwesimintsim, Philip Buckman, has clarified that the anti-LGBTQI+ Bill is now awaiting assent from President John Dramani Mahama to officially become law.
He explained that the immediate next step requires the Speaker of Parliament to formally transmit the bill to the President for his signature.
However, the lawmaker noted that the process is not instantaneous, as the President must thoroughly study the bill alongside his legal team and consult the Council of State before granting his assent.
Furthermore, Buckman pointed out that if the President disagrees with any specific provisions within the document, he retains the constitutional right to express his reservations and return the bill to the House for further consideration.
Addressing the Minority’s accusations that the government has watered down the legislation, Buckman strongly rejected the claims, emphasizing that the passed bill is entirely separate from the version handled by the previous legislature.
He explained that the older iteration of the bill effectively expired with the dissolution of the eighth Parliament.
The legislation recently passed by the ninth Parliament, he stressed, was a brand-new draft that underwent rigorous review, committee consideration, and extensive debate by both sides of the House before its final passage.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Buckman asserted that the legislative process is complete, noting that the only remaining avenue for critics is to challenge the bill in court if they believe procedural breaches occurred.
“The Minority has no case. The bill submitted in 2024, which the former President refused to sign, died with the previous parliament. When this ninth Parliament was inaugurated, the sponsors of the bill brought it back. When the Constitutional and Legal Committee of Parliament sat, chiefs and MPs, including Rev. Ntim Fordjour, appeared before the Committee and presented their submissions for consideration. They were part of the process, and so I am wondering why Rev. Fordjour is now holding press conferences and making allegations about a watered-down bill. He was part of the processes and all the amendments done.”
The Kwesimintsim MP concluded by attributing the Minority’s resistance to mere political posturing rather than genuine legislative concern.
“This is purely politics, and so I am surprised at them. The Bill is dear to the heart of Ghanaians, and because they could not sign it into law and we have passed it, they want to bastardize the bill.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
