Bagbin goofed on Criminal Offences Bill assent -Presidency
The Office of the President has refuted claims of indifference regarding the Criminal Offences (Amendment) (No.2) Bill and affirmed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s dedication to the constitutional processes surrounding the bill.
Contrary to recent media reports, a statement released by the Communications Directorate of Jubilee House emphasized President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to reviewing and giving assent to the bill within the stipulated timeframe outlined in Article 106 (7) of the Constitution.
The statement clarified that the President had officially received the Criminal Offences (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, along with the Wildlife Resources Management Bill, 2023, and the National Petroleum Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023. The bills were presented to the President through a letter dated November 27, 2023, with reference PS/CS/112/826.
Highlighting the constitutional provision, the statement noted, “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.”
The statement emphasized that the President is well within the legal timeframe to examine the bill thoroughly and, if necessary, convey any concerns or suggestions to Parliament.
It also addressed concerns raised by the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Alban Bagbin, regarding the delay in presidential assent to the bill, passed on July 27, 2023.
The Criminal Offences (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2023, aims to amend the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), specifically targeting the practices of witch doctors or witch-finders.
The bill seeks to outlaw such practices and prohibit the act of declaring, accusing, naming, or labeling an individual as a witch, among other related matters.
The statement from the Office of the President concluded by affirming that the President’s handling of the bill aligns with constitutional mandates and legislative processes.
It also criticized the Speaker of Parliament and the Minority Caucus for assuming that the President remained silent on the bill, stating, “How could the Speaker of Parliament accuse the President of remaining silent on the Bill when it was officially presented to him on Monday, November 27, 2023, the same day the Speaker made the accusation?”
