NDC remains committed to Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill – Mercy Abada
Navrongo Central NDC communicator says legal reviews and due process are necessary to ensure the bill withstands constitutional scrutiny before presidential assent.
Mercy Abada, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Team in the Navrongo Central Constituency, has dismissed claims that the government is deliberately delaying the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, insisting that the necessary legal and procedural processes must be completed before the legislation can receive presidential assent.
According to her, the government’s actions demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that the bill becomes law while addressing all constitutional, legal, and procedural requirements.
Abada made the remarks on Wednesday, June 3, during the Big Mike Breakfast Show, where panelists discussed the aftermath of Parliament’s passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill on May 29, as well as comments by President John Dramani Mahama regarding the legal and procedural steps required before assent can be granted.
She argued that remarks made by President Mahama during an engagement at Chatham House in the United Kingdom had been misinterpreted by political opponents seeking to create the impression that the government was unwilling to support the legislation.
Abada explained that because the bill originated as a private member’s bill, it is standard practice for the President’s legal advisers and the Attorney General to review its provisions before any further action is taken.
“The President is not running away from the bill. He is only ensuring that due diligence is carried out before assent is granted,” she stated.
She further noted that amendments made to the bill were intended to address provisions that could have inadvertently criminalised journalists, lawyers, healthcare professionals, and other individuals performing their lawful duties.
According to her, lawmakers have a responsibility to subject legislation to thorough scrutiny and make the necessary adjustments to eliminate legal loopholes and potential constitutional challenges.
“We believe in due process so that when the bill is finally passed into law, it will not be vulnerable to unnecessary legal challenges,” Abada said.
She expressed confidence that once consultations and legal reviews are completed, President Mahama will assent to the bill while upholding what she described as Ghana’s family values, cultural principles, and constitutional framework.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | Elizabeth Apusaama
