The Member of Parliament for South Dayi and The Majority Chief Whip, Honourable Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor has explained the parliamentary developments surrounding the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill. He recounted how public discussions on the legislation gained renewed momentum following comments made at the beginning of the current parliamentary term.
Honourable Dafeamekpor stated that the debates emerged after concerns were raised over the status of the bill and the government’s commitment to the subject. He indicated that questions were subsequently directed at President John Dramani Mahama regarding whether the legislation would receive presidential assent if it reached the needed stage.
The Majority Chief Whip revealed that government supporters responded by pointing to campaign commitments made by the President. He noted that assurances have been given that any bill duly passed by Parliament would receive the necessary consideration.
“The President is willing to sign. As part of the campaign promise, he said if Parliament passes the bill and it is presented to him, he will sign without hesitation.”
Honourable Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor
The South Dayi MP explained that the public debate soon shifted to constitutional questions concerning legislation that have been approved by Parliament but have not received Presidential assent. He said the issue generated extensive legal and parliamentary discussions.
Subsequently, the Speaker sought legal guidance and consulted constitutional experts on the matter. The Parliamentarian stated that a detailed opinion was later presented to the House to provide clarity on the legal position.
Honourable Dafeamekpor recounted that the Speaker concluded that a bill not assented to before the expiration of a parliamentary term ceases to have legal effect. He added that the ruling settled questions surrounding the status of legislation carried over from the previous Parliament.
The Majority Chief Whip acknowledged that the bill has attracted support from several lawmakers, including Benjamin Kpodo and other sponsors in the Eighth Parliament. He said the legal opinion established that the previous version of the legislation has effectively expired.
“Having consulted widely and with legal scholars, the conclusion was firm that the bill died with that Parliament if it was not assented to before the end of its tenure.”
Honourable Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor
Furthermore, the South Dayi MP emphasised that Parliament must always operate within constitutional limits when considering legislation. He added that legal certainty remains essential to preserving confidence in the legislative process.
The Parliamentarian observed that debates on sensitive national issues often generate strong public interest. He therefore encouraged citizens to follow parliamentary proceedings closely and appreciate the constitutional procedures that guide legislative decisions.
Committee Processes And Parliamentary Procedures Influence Next Phase Of Bill
The Majority Chief Whip has outlined the procedural steps that guided the reintroduction and review of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill in Parliament. He said the latest version underwent extensive scrutiny before advancing through the legislative process.
Honourable Dafeamekpor explained that the reintroduced legislation differed in several respects from the version considered during the Eighth Parliament. He disclosed that the number of sponsors increased and that a number of provisions were adjusted before presentation.
The South Dayi MP stated that the Speaker subjected the bill to constitutional and administrative scrutiny before allowing it to proceed. He added that the legislation successfully met the requirements necessary for formal introduction to the House.
Following its first reading, the bill was referred to the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee for examination. The Parliamentarian noted that parliamentary standing orders require such legislation to remain before a committee for an extended period before further consideration.
Meanwhile, Honourable Dafeamekpor recalled that public pressure mounted as stakeholders demanded progress on the legislation. He said repeated concerns led government officials and parliamentary leaders to clarify their commitment to the process.
The Majority Chief Whip revealed that the committee received numerous memoranda from interested groups and individuals. He noted that stakeholders appeared before the committee to defend their proposals and recommend amendments.
According to the South Dayi MP, many of the submissions mirrored proposals previously presented during the Eighth Parliament. He explained that the committee carefully assessed the recommendations before incorporating accepted amendments into its final report.
The Parliamentarian stated that the committee’s report was eventually laid before the House and debated by Members of Parliament. He said lawmakers adopted the report before moving to the consideration stage of the legislative process.
“The matter was delayed because the Order Paper had already been prepared earlier that morning. We decided against issuing an addendum because Members had sat through a long day and fatigue had set in. We therefore agreed to advertise the amendments contained in the committee’s report, which had already been debated and adopted, as we regularly do. In fact, I have with me the Order Papers of 6 March and 9 March as examples of that practice.”
Honourable Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor
The Majority Chief Whip stressed that proposed amendments from committees and individual lawmakers are routinely published for parliamentary scrutiny. He added that the practice promotes transparency and ensures Members have adequate notice before debate.
The South Dayi MP concluded that Parliament is committed to following established procedures at every stage of the process. He stated that adherence to standing orders strengthens the credibility of legislative decisions and protects the integrity of the House.
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