According to the Office of the President, President Nana Akufo-Addo has not renounced his approval of the Criminal Offences (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2023, which seeks to outlaw the practices of witch doctors and witch-finding.
This clarification comes after Speaker of the House Alban Bagbin expressed displeasure with the President for what he perceived to be his silence on the bill.
The bill was only formally presented to the President on Monday, November 27, 2023, according to the President’s Office—the same day Speaker Bagbin voiced concerns.
MP Francis Xavier Sosu is a supporter of a private member’s bill that aims to prevent attacks on accused witches and prohibit people from working as witch doctors or witchfinders.
In the statement, the President reaffirmed his dedication to carrying out his constitutional responsibilities and promised a careful assessment of the bill prior to any decisions being made.
The Office denied allegations that the President remained silent, emphasizing that the bill was formally presented to him on November 27, 2023, along with the Wildlife Resources Management Bill, 2023, and the National Petroleum Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023, as stated in a letter with reference PS/CS/112/826.
The statement comes to the conclusion that reports implying a lack of attention to the bill are completely false.
“Contrary to the claims made in these reports by the Speaker of Parliament and the Minority Caucus in Parliament, President Akufo-Addo has not remained silent on the Bill. How could the Speaker of Parliament accuse the President of remaining silent on the Bill when it was officially presented to him on Monday, 27th November 2023, the same day the Speaker made the accusation?
“Indeed, the Bill was officially presented to the President for his assent together with the Wildlife Resources Management Bill, 2023 and National Petroleum Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023, under cover of a letter dated 27th November 2023, with reference PS/CS/112/826. (See attachment).
“It is, thus, wholly inaccurate that the Bill has been sitting on the desk of the President without receiving due attention,” the presidency’s statement read.
Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson argued on Monday that the President had broken the constitution by not signing the bill.
Haruna Iddrisu, the MP for Tamale South, supported him, and the two of them criticized the president for allegedly breaking the constitution.
The most recent development has damaged Parliament’s reputation, with many questioning whether the Speaker of the House and the lawmakers did their research before angrily attacking the president.
Here are the statements made by the presidency:
