News:
Leader of Government Business
October 17, 2021
On the raging debate on the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill before parliament, the Majority leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has assured the citizenry that parliament which is a representative of the people would do the needful.
He said parliament would not turn its back on the Ghanaian citizenry as the Members of Parliament (MPs) represent the people and their interest.
Addressing a press conference organized by the majority caucus in parliament on Tuesday October 12, 2021, the Leader of government business said he is not sure in principle any member of the parliament would be against the bill.
And added that the first provision of chapter 11 of the 1992 Constitution, which is Article 125 says 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.”
He emphasized that the reason for this provision is that “as Ghanaians, we have our own upbringing and set of values. And it is the values that guide us in life.
And noted that they have their own concept of what is right and what is wrong. “I don’t know of any ethnic group in this country that would applaud this, but having said so, we also operate with the constitution, and we must operate within the ambit of the constitution. We will do what is right for the people of this country.”
He advised those commenting on the issue on radio and television to take out their emotions, adding that the bill is before parliament, has gone through the first reading and referred to the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. He called on all civil society and faith based organizations to submit memoranda to the Committee in respect of the bill as they as citizens of Ghana reserve the right to participate in its discussion.
Commenting on the call to make the debate on the bill open, Mr. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu responded that those making the call seem not to understand the workings of parliament, adding that no bill is debated in secret, except at the committee levels where the leadership reserves the right to make it closed-door or otherwise.
Dominic Shirimori/Ghanamps.com