By Edzorna Francis Mensah
The Member of Parliament for Suame, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament has given the assurance that MPs would vote in support of the Ghana Anti-LGBTQ Bill currently before the House in line with Article 125 clause (1), Chapter 11 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
According to him, Parliament as a Representative Body of the people would not shirk its responsibilities provided in chapter 11, Article 125 Clause 1 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana which states that “Justice emanates from the people and shall be administered in the name of the Republic by the Judiciary which shall be independent and subject only to this Constitution”.
Speaking to Journalists in Parliament on 12th October 2021, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu noted that, the operative clause in this article is “Justice emanates from the people”, Why is the Constitution so frank about this? “It is because as Ghanaians, we have our own upbringing and values irrespective of the tribe or Region one comes from”.
“We have our set of values that guard us in life and it is the reason why the Constitution provides that justice emanates from the people. I really don’t know any ethnic group in Ghana who will applaud the issues about LGBTQ++ and whatever, we have listened to concerns expressed and Parliament will do the needful”.
But he was quick to plead with those who speaking to the issues within the media space to exercise restraint, and to also “cut-off emotions and sentiments”, to allow the proper reasons behind the formulation of the bill to reach out to all without discrimination.
The Bill is already in Parliament, passed through the first reading, and referred to the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.
It is in light of this that the Leader of the House has entreated individuals and organized groups like Churches and NGOs interested and vocal on this issue to submit a Memorandum to the Committees in accordance with Article 106 (4).
“Citizens have the right to exercise popular participation by discussing it as they have been doing”, the Majority Leader noted.
Article 106 clause 4 says… “Whenever a Bill is read the first time in Parliament, it shall be referred to the appropriate Committee appointed under article 103 of this Constitution which shall examine the Bill in detail and make all such inquiries in relation to it as the Committee considers expedient or necessary”.
Mr. Kyei Mensah Bonsu has again argued that memos submitted to the Committee will help MPs to engage in useful debates provided relevant information is made available to them when the report is laid before them at the plenary as long as Article 106 (6) is concerned.
“The report of the Committee, together with the explanatory memorandum to the Bill, shall form the basis for a full debate on the Bill for its passage, with or without amendments, or its rejection, by Parliament”, Mr. Mensah Bonsu outlined.