By Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, the Member of Parliament for South Dayi, has commenced legal proceedings against Attorney General Godfred Dame.
This action comes in response to a controversial directive from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, conveyed through a letter to Parliament, advising against the progression of the contentious anti-gay bill.
The letter from the Presidency urged Parliament to refrain from furthering the bill for presidential assent.
In a writ filed at the Supreme Court on Friday, March 22, 2024, Dafeamekpor seeks an order compelling President Akufo-Addo to retract his letter.
“An order directing the President to withdraw the letter dated the 18th of March, 2024 addressed to the Clerk of Parliament and signed by the Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante.”
He is also seeking an interpretation that the letter is in contravention of the 1992 Constitution.
“A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 106 (7) of the 1992 Constitution, a President cannot prevent Parliament from transmitting a Bill which has been passed by Parliament to the President.
“A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 106 (1) and (7) of the 1992 Constitution the letter dated the 18th of March, 2024 addressed to the Clerk of Parliament and signed by the Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante, is in contravention of the 1992 Constitution.”
The MP is also seeking an interpretation that a President can only assent or signify within seven (7) days that he refuses to assent to a bill unless the bill has been referred to the Council of State.
