Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill: Your Actions Are Causing a Rift Between the Arms of Govt - Prez Akufo-Addo Fired

Former General Secretary of the People's National Convention (PNC), Atik Mohammed has alleged that the actions of President Akufo-Addo is a deliberate attempt to undermine the arms of government.

According to Atik Mohammed, the constitution makes it clear that, Parliament, after the passage of a bill, has to present it to the President to assent.

However, the President upon receiving the bill, has fourteen (14) days to write back to parliament.

In a letter dated, Monday, March 18, 2024, Nana Bediatuo Asante, Secretary to the President, urged parliament to refrain from transmitting the recently passed Anti-LGBTQI+ Bill to President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo for assent.

He added that the presidency cited two pending applications before the Supreme Court for an order of interlocutory injunction against the bill.

In his view, Atik Mohammed opined that the letter from the President ordering parliament to cease and desist from transmitting the bill to the office is a total disrespect and disregard for the arms of government, adding that the actions are setting a bad precedence for posterity.

According to Atik Mohammed, the president’s actions are so because he does not believe in the Ghanaian family values which the bill seeks to protect and promote.

"It is a clear indication that the president is not committed to protecting the Ghanaian values. He is not committed to the issues related to the Ghanaian family values. It is very sad because the president's action is creating a rift between the arms Government. I don’t know how far this will go but Ghanaians will not forgive the president," Atik said.

Atik added that the President should be called out for the manner in which he is handling the Anti-gay Bill.

Atik Mohammed's outburst came to light after the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, on Wednesday, 20th March 2024 suspended the approval of Ministers and Deputy Ministers of State following an injunction filed at the Supreme Court by the Member of Parliament (MP) for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Etse K. Dafeamekpor.

This action, according to Atik Mohammed, stems from the President's actions which seems to disrespect the parliament of Ghana.