Parliament weekly wrap: Speaker reintroduces anti-LBGTQ+ bill, Lands Minister revokes mining law, and MPs back breast cancer fight
The second week of the third meeting of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic has been eventful, featuring key developments from the reintroduction of the controversial Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill to new environmental regulations aimed at protecting Ghana’s forests. The week also saw Members of Parliament mark World Breast Cancer Day with a fundraising initiative.
Speaker orders reintroduction of anti-LGBTQ+ bill
Parliament began its sitting on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, with a directive from the Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, must be reintroduced in the Ninth Parliament.
The Speaker explained that the bill, which was passed by the previous Parliament, expired when the Eighth Parliament was dissolved. His ruling followed a week of heated debate between Members from both sides of the House over whether the bill should be reintroduced or considered as already passed.
“The Eighth Parliament is history, and so are all the businesses that were pending in it,” the Speaker stated.
Mr Bagbin revealed that the bill had been sent to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent, but the President did not return it to Parliament with reasons for withholding his signature, as required by Article 106(8) of the 1992 Constitution.
The Speaker’s ruling means that sponsors of the bill must formally lay it again for consideration by the current Parliament.
Minority insists on retaining original content
The Minority caucus demanded that the bill be reintroduced in its original form as passed by the Eighth Parliament. The Member for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, insisted that “nothing should be changed,” stressing that the bill reflected the collective will of the Ghanaian people.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga assured that the government had no intention of altering the bill before its reintroduction.
Speaker warns MPs over absenteeism
On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the Speaker warned Members of Parliament to attend sittings regularly or risk losing their seats. He cited Article 97 of the Constitution, which provides that MPs who absent themselves for 15 sittings without permission automatically vacate their seats.
Mr Bagbin said clerks had been instructed to take strict attendance records, warning that sanctions would be enforced where necessary.
“We’ll be taking action to ensure that members are compelled to sit or be considered to have vacated their seats,” he cautioned.
He expressed disappointment over low attendance levels, describing the trend as damaging to the image and efficiency of Parliament.
Minority calls for suspension of CJ nominee’s vetting
The Minority also filed a motion urging the Speaker to suspend the vetting of Chief Justice nominee Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie until legal issues surrounding the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo are resolved.
Minority demands action against Birim Central MCE
On Wednesday, the Minority caucus called on President John Dramani Mahama to take immediate action against Birim Central Municipal Chief Executive Solomon Kusi Brako for allegedly encouraging illegal mining.
Speaker launches climate action partnership
On Friday, the Speaker launched a strategic partnership with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) under the project Enhancing Parliamentary Action on Climate Change: Strengthening the Role of Parliament in Reducing Methane Emissions.
The initiative seeks to empower Parliament to develop stronger climate policies and improve oversight in reducing methane emissions.
Government moves to revoke mining law
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, on Friday laid before Parliament the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Revocation Instrument, 2025.
The instrument seeks to repeal L.I. 2462, which empowers the President to grant licenses for mining in forest reserves, and L.I. 2501, which limits that power. The move forms part of government’s renewed efforts to combat illegal mining and protect forest ecosystems.
Parliament marks World Breast Cancer Day
Parliament joined the global commemoration of World Breast Cancer Day on Friday, October 31, 2025. The Speaker urged all 276 MPs to donate GH₵1,000 each from their November salaries, pledging to top up the contributions to reach GH₵300,000 in support of the Breast Cancer Association of Ghana.
Mr Bagbin called for stronger public education, early screening, and improved treatment access to reduce the disease’s impact.
Business statement for November 3–7, 2025
Presenting the business statement for the upcoming week, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga announced that six ministers are scheduled to appear before the House to respond to 36 questions.
