The Presidency has refuted accusations leveled against President Akufo-Addo by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin on the delay in assenting to the Criminal Offences Bill.
A statement from the Jubilee House says claims that the Bill has been neglected on the President’s desk are false. It also emphasized that President Akufo-Addo is fully aware of the Constitutional mandate, which allows seven days for the President to review and give assent to any Bill presented to him.
Communications Director at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, said, President Akufo-Addo is not ignoring the Bill.
It noted 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 on the same day the Speaker made the accusation.
The statement further clarifies that the President takes his constitutional duties seriously and will carefully consider the Bill before making a decision.
President Akufo-Addo is mindful of Article 106 (7) of the Constitution, which affords the President seven (7) days to review and give his assent to any Bill presented to him. In light of this constitutional provision, it is important to note that the President is still well within the legally stipulated timeframe to make a decision regarding the Bill. During this period, the President may examine the bill thoroughly and, if necessary, convey any concerns or suggestions he might have regarding its contents to Parliament.
The Office of the President assures the public and media that Bills, including this current Bill, the Criminal Offences (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2023, are being attended to with the utmost respect for constitutional mandates and legislative processes.
Eugene Arhin
Director of Communications
Office of the President
