The Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, has defended John Dramani Mahama, stating that the President has not reneged on any promise regarding the proposed anti-LGBTQ bill.
Speaking in an interview on JoyNews, the lawmaker explained that the bill is still undergoing the legislative process in Parliament, making it premature to accuse the President of failing to act.
His comments follow concerns raised by members of the Minority, including John Ntim Fordjour, who alleged that elements of LGBTQ-related provisions could be introduced into Ghana’s Constitution through the ongoing constitutional review process.
However, Mr. Baidoo dismissed these claims and rejected calls for an apology from the President and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). He argued that criticism from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) was misplaced, citing their own handling of the issue while in government.
He further emphasized that under Ghana’s constitutional framework, the President cannot interfere in parliamentary proceedings until a bill has been fully debated and passed.
“What is the President expected to do at this moment? Parliament is still working on it. When they are done and the bill is presented to him, then he can make a decision,” he stated.
Mr. Baidoo reiterated that once the bill is presented to the President, he will then have the authority to either assent to it or decline, in accordance with the law.
