President Akufo-Addo of Ghana has declined to give his assent to three crucial bills; the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2023, the Wildlife Resources Management Bill 2023, and the Armed Forces Amendment Bill 2023.
These bills, aimed at addressing issues related to alleged witchcraft and reforming the Armed Forces Act, were sponsored by Mr. Francis-Xavier Sosu, a Member of Parliament for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) representing Madina.
The controversy began when the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, criticized the President on November 27, 2023, for not communicating his stance on the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2023. This particular bill sought to criminalize attacks on individuals accused of practising witchcraft.
The President’s silence on the matter raised eyebrows, prompting speculation about the government’s intentions.
Responding to the criticism, the Presidency, in a communication, denied having received the bills along with two others passed by Parliament until November 27, 2023. Additionally, they dismissed any suggestions that the President had made a decision not to assent to the Bills.
However, on Monday, December 4, President Akufo-Addo officially communicated to the Parliament about his decision. In a letter read by Speaker Alban Bagbin, the President explained that he is unable to assent to the bills until associated constitutional matters are resolved.
“In the communication from his excellency dated 27th November 2023, he signifies pursuant to article 106, clause 7 that he is unable to assent to the criminal offenses number 2 bill 2023 because upon review of the bill, he noted some constitutional matters relating to its passage,” said Speaker Bagbin.
President Akufo-Addo, however, has not yet specified the exact constitutional concerns that need addressing before he can give his assent to the three bills.