‘Under fire Committee Chairman’ swerves Parliament during anti-gay bill consideration

During the consideration stage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Value 2021 (Ghana’s anti-gay bill), the Chairman of the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee in Parliament, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, was conspicuously absent on Friday.

Although he had been present in the House the entire morning, he was not present when the Speaker signalled the beginning of the consideration.

Bernard Ahiafor, the ranking member, assumed the chair as the house commenced deliberating the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values, 2021 bill.

Also read: Parliament begins consideration stage of anti-LGBTQ+ bill

Consideration stage

The anti-gay bill was originally scheduled for consideration on Wednesday, December 6, but faced a setback when the Second Deputy Speaker declined the request, citing the absence of the Committee Chairman as a hindrance to the process.

This decision triggered frustration among the bill’s sponsors, who accused the Majority leadership of obstructing its progress.

Samuel Nartey George, the co-sponsor of the bill and MP for Ningo Prampram, went further by threatening to expose the Majority MPs allegedly influenced by advocates of LGBTQ+ activities in the country.

Addressing the mounting tension, Speaker of the House, Alban S.K. Bagbin, reassured that the House will pass the bill before it goes on recess for the festive season.

However, on Friday, December 8, when the Speaker announced the bill’s consideration stage, the Committee’s Chairman was notably absent from the Chamber, raising eyebrows given the prior advertising in the Order of Paper.

Mr. Alban Bagbin stated that the House could proceed with work on the bill despite the absence of the Committee Chairman, and indeed, it did.

The Bill contains 17 proposed amendments, and the House has addressed Clause 1, encompassing five amendments.

Delays

On Thursday, Mr. Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi addressed the outbursts of Sam George and other proponents of the bill, pointing to underlying issues causing the delays.

He emphasized that although members of the Minority sponsored the bill; it has become the property of Parliament and enjoys the support of the entire majority caucus..

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