South Dayi MP, Hon Rockson Dafeamekpor, has criticized the tone of a letter from the Executive Secretary to President Nana Akufo-Addo, Nana Asante Badiatuo, to the Clerk of Parliament regarding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill.
Speaking on JoyNews' AM Show, he expressed concern over the letter's tone, describing it as displaying “disdain, arrogance, and contempt.” Hon Rockson suggested that the Clerk of Parliament might have faced repercussions for delivering the letter, citing the letter's opening paragraph, which referenced an attempted submission of the bill during the President's absence at a Cabinet Retreat on March 14, 2024.
Asked how he would reword such a letter, he replied “If I were mandated to make this communication, I would reference the title, and start by saying “Respectfully, this office is informed that you attempted, or you were there to submit so so and so, as you may be aware, we have to notify you or bring you to attention that matters are pending at the Supreme Court. As a result, may we all stay within the bounds until the matter is resolved. That's how you communicate”
In the letter addressed to Parliament on March 18, signed by the Secretary to the President, Nana Asante Bediatuo, the request to halt proceedings on the bill was made due to pending applications for an order of interlocutory injunction before the Supreme Court. The letter emphasized the impropriety of Parliament proceeding with transmitting the bill to President Akufo-Addo until the court resolves the legal issues. Additionally, it revealed that the Attorney-General advised against the President taking any action on the bill until the legal suits are resolved.
“It is the understanding of this Office that both applications have also been duly served on Parliament. Therefore, it would be improper for you to transmit the Bill to the President and equally improper for this Office to receive the Bill until the Supreme Court determines the matters raised in the suits,” the letter stated.
The letter also disclosed that Parliament attempted to transmit the bill to the President on March 14, while he and some cabinet members were at a retreat at Peduase.
