News:
December 18, 2023
The President, Nana Akufo-Addo in a letter sent to Parliament has explained that his decision not to assent to Criminal Offences Bill ii, ( Armed Forces 2, 2023) is due to potential financial impact on the national consolidated fund and also a violation of Article 108 of the constitution which requires that, all must be presented on behalf of the government.
President Akufo-Addo further explained that after consultations with the Attorney General, he was advised that the Ghana Armed Forces Amendment Bill 2023 which is a private member’s bill sponsored by the Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis Xavier Sosu seeking to replace the death penalty with a life sentence has financial implications on the consolidated fund of the state where it is required that, it is a duty of the state to feed all inmates in prisons across the country.
The Rt Hon Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin also expressed his disagreement to the explanation of President Akufo-Addo.
But Mr Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, the Majority leader expressed his disappointment in the comments of Mr Bagbin for using offensive words against the President.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com