Parliament to Reconvene Amid Anti-LGBT Bill Dispute in Ghana

Ghana’s parliament will reconvene on Friday after being adjourned since March due to a dispute between the speaker and the president over an anti-LGBT bill. The recall is to discuss the approval of ministerial appointees and other urgent matters, according to Majority leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

In February, lawmakers in Ghana passed one of Africa’s most restrictive anti-LGBT bills, but President Nana Akufo-Addo has not yet signed it into law. His office is waiting for the outcome of legal challenges before moving forward with the bill. This delay has caused obstacles for parliamentary procedures, including the approval of ministerial nominations.

Speaker Alban Bagbin, who adjourned parliament in March, deemed the president’s refusal to sign the bill unconstitutional. Around 21 nominees to ministerial posts and other scheduled business are awaiting approval, causing further delays in government operations.

The emergency sitting on Friday will address a $150 million loan agreement between the government and the World Bank’s International Development Association to improve Accra’s economic resilience, as well as tax exemptions for businesses. The speaker’s office confirmed that the sitting will be limited to the specified agenda.

President Akufo-Addo’s decision to delay signing the bill was influenced by a finance ministry warning about potential financial implications. The Supreme Court has also intervened in the legal battle surrounding the anti-LGBT bill, asking lawyers to amend their motions due to insulting language in their submissions. The case has been postponed without a new date set.