News
Anti-LGBTQ Bill already passed, no need for reintroduction – Mahama Ayariga
The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has stated that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the Anti-LGBTQ Bill, has already been passed by Parliament and therefore does not need to be reintroduced.
He explained during a press briefing today that Parliament had completed its work on the bill, and the only step left is for the President to give his assent.
“My recollection is that we passed this already as Parliament. We passed it, and the issue was giving it a presidential assent. So that is where it should be taken up. I don’t see why anybody should bring us a bill that we have passed already,” he said.
Mr. Ayariga noted that he was surprised to see the bill listed again on the order paper and questioned how it got there.
“Yesterday, I saw it on the order paper, and then I was asking myself, who brought this? A bill that we have passed already — you haven’t convinced me there’s a need for us to work on it again,” he remarked.
He revealed that both he and the Speaker of Parliament were surprised to find the bill on the order paper and called in the Clerk for clarification.
“The Speaker himself also expressed surprise finding it on the order paper. He invited the Clerk in my presence and asked how the bill got advertised. Because he too didn’t know how it got there,” the Majority Leader explained.
He added that the only bill that required the attention of the House was the Property Rights of Spouses Bill presented by Member of Parliament Patricia Appiagyei.
“The only one that indeed yesterday Speaker and I agreed should attract our attention is the one brought by Honorable Patricia Appiagyei — that is the Property Rights of Spouses Bill,” he stated.
The Anti-LGBTQ Bill, which seeks to criminalize same-sex relationships and related advocacy in Ghana, was passed by Parliament but is yet to receive presidential assent.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Police have arrested two suspects, including the alleged gang leader, in connection with the robbery attack on the Berekum Chelsea football team that resulted in the death of one of the players.
According to a Police update, the arrests were made after intelligence-led operations by security personnel.
One of the suspects sustained gunshot wounds during an exchange of fire with the police.
He has since been taken to a hospital where he is receiving medical treatment, while the other suspect remains in police custody assisting with investigations.
The Police indicated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang linked to the attack.
They assured the public that more details will be provided as investigations progress.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Brazzaville to attend the investiture ceremony of Denis Sassou N’Guesso.
The ceremony follows the re-election of President Sassou N’Guesso for another five year term as leader of the Republic of the Congo.
President Mahama travelled to Brazzaville shortly after launching his Free Primary Healthcare Programme in Dodowa.
He is expected to return to Accra after the ceremony scheduled for Thursday morning.
By: Jacob Aggrey
