Speaker Bagbin summons parliamentary leaders for urgent talks on Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called for urgent discussions with the leadership of both the Majority and Minority caucuses following the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025. Speaking to the media on June 1, 2026, Bagbin emphasized the need for broad consultation due to the bill's significance. He stated that the bill touches upon international commitments, human rights issues, and Ghana’s cultural values, necessitating careful examination of all concerns. Bagbin also mentioned that lawmakers must consider Ghana’s traditions and values before approving the bill. He expressed surprise at the speed of the bill's passage on Friday, as he had expected Parliament to only begin the consideration stage. The Speaker indicated he learned of the bill's passage through media reports. The Minority caucus has reportedly rejected the bill, accusing the government of altering its initial contents.
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The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has equipped the Ghana Geological Survey Authority GGSA with twenty-one new seismic network stations across southern Ghana. This initiative aims to enhance the national seismic network for monitoring and evaluating disasters, particularly earthquakes. The Minister stated that the replacement of the national seismic networks will enable the Authority to detect earthquakes quickly and accurately, determine their location, depth, and magnitude, and monitor seismic activity to identify earthquake-prone areas. This data will support disaster preparedness and response, and aid research on the Earth's crust and tectonic movements. The Authority can now assist the government and emergency agencies in developing early warning and risk mitigation measures. Officials from the GGSA, including Director-General Dr. Prosper Akaba, expressed that the previous seismic network, installed in 2012, had become outdated, rendering the Authority unable to effectively monitor activities. The new stations, installed by Nanometrics Inc. Canada, will allow the Authority to provide timely reports on earthquake-prone areas, advise the government, and carry out disaster risk management building code formulation. Two engineers from Nanometrics Inc. Canada, Tarun Philip and Iain Avis, confirmed the completion of the installation, which is expected to be commissioned soon. The GGSA is a state agency under Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Na
J A Plant Pool GH Limited JAPP and its Executive Chairman, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, have rejected claims by the Attorney General that the company owes the Government of Ghana US$2 million under the District Road Improvement Programme DRIP. The company issued a statement on June 2, 2026, announcing its intention to challenge the legal action and defend itself in court. This follows a suit filed by the Attorney General to recover the alleged amount. JAPP expressed concern that details of the suit were widely circulated in the media before the company and Dr. Agyepong were formally served, causing damage to their reputation and that of the Jospong Group of Companies. JAPP categorically denies any indebtedness to the Government of Ghana arising from the contract dated February 12, 2024, executed under the DRIP program. The company explained that the contract, for the procurement of machinery and equipment at a cost of US$178.7 million, received approval from the Public Procurement Authority PPA on January 10, 2024. JAPP stated that it has fully delivered all required machines and equipment and that all payments were made according to the contract terms. JAPP described the Attorney General’s action as being in bad faith and has instructed its lawyers to challenge the suit. The company also urged the public to disregard any suggestions of wrongdoing and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and lawful business practices.
Must ReadPresident John Dramani Mahama addressed an international audience at Chatham House on June 1, 2026, discussing the abrupt withdrawal of $154 million in annual development assistance from the United States. This cut, which included approximately $75 million for healthcare infrastructure, forced Ghana to restructure its domestic health financing. President Mahama stated that the USAID cut, which impacted critical areas like HIV testing, antiretroviral supply, malaria fight, and research institutions, was unexpected. To counter this, his administration repealed the "capping and alignment law," which freed up over 3 billion Cedis approximately $300 million for the National Health Insurance Fund NHIF, enabling it to cover the USAID funding shortfall. He noted that while Ghana managed to stabilize its healthcare deficit, smaller African nations like The Gambia are struggling with similar funding changes. President Mahama also highlighted Africa's sovereign debt crisis, where countries spend a significant portion of their revenue on debt servicing, leaving little for human capital investment. He urged African nations to embrace self-reliance, reduce waste, improve governance, and combat corruption, referencing the "Accra Resolution" as a strategic framework for the continent.
Must ReadSpeaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, expressed surprise at the rapid passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, on Friday, May 29, 2026. Speaking in Accra on Monday, June 1, 2026, Bagbin stated he had not anticipated the bill's quick approval, expecting it to remain at the consideration stage. He mentioned that he had left instructions for the consideration process before attending to other activities and was surprised to learn of its passage. Bagbin detailed extensive consultations undertaken for the bill, involving international human rights instruments, development partners, and Ghanaian cultural values. He announced plans to meet with House leadership to address disagreements and ensure national consensus for effective implementation. This marks the second time Parliament has passed the bill; the first passage in 2024 was not assented to by then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The reintroduced bill included amendments that the Minority Caucus opposed, arguing they implied flaws in the original version. These amendments exempt individuals providing legal advice or representation, journalists reporting on LGBTQ+ issues, and medical professionals offering services to LGBTQ+ persons from punishment under the law.