Despite threats to cut off investments, international aid, and other stringent economic measures, the African continent will continue to protect its culture, values, and societal norms and ensure the future of its youth, according to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.
He made comments at Westminster, London, during a meeting with a wide range of members of the British House of Lords and the House of Commons. Members of the British Parliament are concerned about a bill on the promotion of human sexual rights and family values currently before the parliament of Ghana, as well as a recent law approved in Uganda regarding the LGBTQI phenomenon.
Mr. Bagbin explained to his hosts that parliament is responsible for receiving bills from the executive branch and from civil society or interest groups through the Private Member’s Bill process. The bill is subsequently processed through Parliament according to its Standing Orders and the provisions of the Ghanaian Constitution.
“There is nothing untoward; nothing wrong with the efforts by Ghana’s Parliament to legislate on the promotion of human sexual rights and family values in Ghana, using our constitution as a compass. There is urgent need of legislation in the area of LGBTTQRt in Ghana. Parliament is aware of the copious human rights provisions in the Constitution of the country. Parliament knows that any legislation that detracts from the human rights and freedoms guaranteed by our constitution will be a candidate for litigation in our court of law.”
He elaborated on the president’s constitutional obligation to sign legislation that Parliament sends to him. The President has the power to make recommendations to Parliament during this process. However, the legislative branch, not the executive, holds the ultimate authority over laws. “Ghana’s democracy is based on the rule of law, not the rule of man,” he said.
Moreover, he said, Ghana’s constitution places a heavy emphasis on the promotion and protection of various fundamental human rights and freedoms, and he gave assurance that curtailing human rights is not the target of the bill in question. Rather, it is about protecting rights and values; it is also about the healthcare and welfare of Ghanaians, particularly those whose sexual orientation has implications for their health.
Alban Bagbin claims that the legislature has consulted widely on the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. Members of the select committee working on it have consulted experts in the UK, the US, the EU, and Canada to have a better understanding of the issues at hand.
Alban Bagbin’s Net Worth
Alban Bagbin’s net worth is $5 million.
