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In a dramatic turn of events, Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin openly disagreed with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s refusal to assent to the abolition of the death penalty/witchcraft bills.
The Speaker announced his dissent on Monday and pledged to deliver a comprehensive statement later.
President Akufo-Addo’s decision was conveyed through a letter read out by Speaker Bagbin in Parliament.
The President cited financial implications as the primary reason for withholding assent to the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2023, Criminal Offences Amendment Bill Number Two 2023, and the Ghana Armed Forces Amendment Bill 2023.
He emphasized a thorough review of constitutional and legislative frameworks, specifically referencing Article 108 of the Constitution and Section 100 of the Public Financial Management Act 2016 (Act 921).
According to him, the Bills, introduced by MP Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu, did not conform to constitutional provisions.
The bills in question include the Armed Forces (Amendment) Bill 2023, aiming to replace the death penalty with life imprisonment, the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill Number Two 2023, seeking to abolish the death penalty, and the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill 2023, aiming to proscribe witchcraft accusations.
President Akufo-Addo argued that the proposed laws would impose substantial financial obligations on Ghana’s Consolidated Fund and other public funds.
He pointed to projected costs related to imprisonment, sustenance, and healthcare for those convicted under the Bills.
Despite the President’s decision, Speaker Bagbin asserted his intention to present a detailed statement to the House, setting the stage for a broader parliamentary discussion on the matter.
The Bills were initially passed by the House in July 2023 and submitted to the President for assent in August and November. The President’s refusal, issued after a discussion with the Speaker on November 28th, has sparked a constitutional and legislative controversy.
