
Alban Bagbin asserts that anti-witchcraft bill imposes no financial obligations on the state
Alban Bagbin, Speaker of the House, has reiterated his disapproval of President Akufo-Addo’s decision to withhold his assent to recently passed measures by the House. The Criminal Offences Amendment Bill and the Anti-Witchcraft Bill are two bills. Even though the President was presented with these laws for permission, he chose not to do so, citing, among other reasons, the fact that their adoption violates Article 108 of the 1992 Constitution. Additionally, the state must pay for it, but no fiscal impact study was done.
3News reported that the Speaker, Alban Bagbin disapproved of President Akufo-Addo and claimed that the President had an incorrect understanding of Article 108 of the 1992 Constitution.
“It doesn’t include adding a new expense to the consolidated fund or other public finances. Rather than resulting in the formation of a new fiscal obligation, the financial ramifications here are incidental and consequential. Therefore, it goes beyond the intended meaning of the term “imposition of a charge” to read these bills as falling under the purview of fiscal implication as specified in Article 108a (ii).
Honorable colleagues, let me emphasize that interpreting fiscal laws literally and narrowly will unnecessarily limit the legislative authority provided to Parliament. In addition to being against the letter of the Constitution, this strategy could create a precedent that makes it more difficult for us to use private members’ legislation to meet the various needs of the country. Respected members, the bills that are being discussed do not impose any more financial burdens. Consequently, Mr. Alban Bagbin contended, “should not be restricted by the provisions of Article 108.”
Also, Alban Bagbin said President Akufo-Addo lacked the authority to deem a law passed by Parliament unconstitutional. He claimed that the Supreme Court is the only branch of government with this kind of authority. As a result, if the Speaker believes that the approval of the Anti-Witchcraft and Criminal Offences Amendment measures conflicts with the 1992, the President has been urged to take appropriate action.