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Members of Ghana’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Parliament have raised concerns over President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s purported refusal to assent to the Witchcraft Bill, passed into an Act by Parliament several months ago. This alleged refusal, according to the NDC group, constitutes a violation of Ghana’s 1992 Republican Constitution.
The bill, aimed at criminalizing accusations of witchcraft and the practices of witch-finders, has not received the President’s assent despite being passed as the Criminal and other Offences Act amendment in July this year. The Minority Leader, Cassiel Ato Bah Forson, has emphasized that the President’s failure to assent to the bill is a constitutional breach, urging Parliament to take action if this stance persists.
Referencing Article 106 of the Constitution, Minority Leader Forson emphasized the President’s obligation to provide reasons in writing to the House if unable to assent to a bill. Failure to adhere to this, according to Former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, may set a perilous precedent for the country’s legislative process.
However, the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Government Business leader defended the President’s actions, stating that the delay in assenting to the bills is not intentional. He clarified that the President identified problematic sections within the bill, which, if assented to, could tarnish Parliament’s image. The Minister highlighted plans for a meeting between the President and the Speaker to address these concerns.
The ongoing debate has sparked discussions regarding the adherence to constitutional mandates and the potential repercussions of the President’s refusal to assent to a bill duly passed by Parliament.
