By Sarah Baafi
The former Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central, Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah, has defended President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to assent to five recently passed bills, describing them as well-calculated and beneficial to Ghana’s economic future.
Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show, Mr Kwakye-Ackah explained that the laws, particularly those related to the extractive sector, were designed with built-in safeguards to protect the country’s interests.
He noted that provisions within the framework ensure a minimum return threshold, allowing Ghana to benefit when global commodity prices, especially gold, rise, while also limiting losses when prices decline.
“It is a give-and-take situation,” he said, adding that the framers of the legislation undertook careful calculations to strike a balance between risk and national benefit.
Touching on governance and legislative decisions, Mr Kwakye-Ackah also addressed the controversial LGBTQ+ bill, which was not part of the recently assented laws. He suggested that the previous administration had been reluctant to sign the bill, citing a lack of strong public pressure at the time and concerns over external influence.
According to him, the decision not to assent to the bill reflected both political caution and broader considerations beyond Parliament.
He further indicated that public demand could play a decisive role in determining the future of such legislation, stressing that Parliament ultimately responds to the will of the people.
Mr Kwakye-Ackah’s comments come in the wake of President Mahama’s assent to five bills passed by Parliament, a move the government says is aimed at strengthening governance, enhancing economic resilience, and promoting sustainable development.
