By Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
A fierce constitutional and procedural dispute has erupted in Ghana’s Parliament following a unilateral directive by the Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, to reconsider the recently approved Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.
The tension began after Speaker Bagbin issued a surprise directive ordering the House to revisit the legislation, which was passed on Friday, May 29, 2026.
Speaker Bagbin expressed surprise at its rapid passage, questioning whether the level of bipartisan consensus from both the Majority and Minority had been adequately demonstrated on the floor.
He argued that a revote or further consultation was necessary to ensure procedural sanctity and protect the bill from future legal vulnerabilities.
However, the Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, vehemently rejected the Speaker’s intervention.
Addressing the media, Mr. Ayariga insisted that the bill was passed in full accordance with parliamentary Standing Orders, noting that a lawful procedural motion to abridge time was used to complete the final stages.
“There is really nothing to reconsider,” Mr. Ayariga stated, adding that the Speaker lacks the authority to unilaterally overturn or reverse a decision lawfully taken by the House.
The clash leaves the future of the highly anticipated legislation in political limbo, as the two leaders dispute the boundaries of parliamentary procedure.
Chronology of the legislative dispute
On May 29, 2026, Parliament passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill after fast-tracking its final stages.
However, on June 2, 2026, Speaker Bagbin expressed surprise at the passage and directed a procedural review to ensure clear bipartisan consensus.
Following the Speaker’s directive, Mr. Ayariga pushed back publicly, maintaining that the House complied with all rules and that the Speaker cannot nullify a passed bill.
