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Speaker Delays Ghana's Ministerial Nominations

Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin explained that his decision stems from an earlier action taken by the Office of the President urging the Parliament to "desist" from sending to him the much-talked about anti-gay rights bill, which the Speaker described as "contemptuous".

President Nana Akufo-Addo this week wrote MPs, stating that "It would be improper for you to transmit the Bill to the President and equally improper for this Office (of the President) to receive the Bill until the Supreme Court determines the matters raised in the suits".

In a move sparking condemnation from rights activists, Ghana's parliament had earlier passed a controversial bill significantly restricting LGBTQ+ rights. The new bill, commonly referred to as the anti-gay bill, now also imposes a prison sentence of up to five years for the "wilful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities".

The bill was widely condemned by rights activists and still has to be validated by the president before entering into law, a move observers believe is unlikely before an election in December. President Nana Akufo-Addo said he will not sign the bill until the Supreme Court rules on whether the legislation violates Ghana's constitution. The Ministry of Finance has advised the President that measure could seriously impact the country's economy and might result in the loss of some $3.8 billion in funding from the World Bank.

InFocus

Isaac Kaledzi / Deutsche Welle

Ghana's parliament (file photo).

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