Accra, Ghana – The Ghana Centre for Religion and Public Life (GCRPL), a faith-based Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama, alleging its exclusion from crucial stakeholder engagements concerning the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025. The petition, submitted to the President, asserts that the consultation process conducted by Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs denied some organizations, including GCRPL, a fair hearing, raising concerns about the integrity of the legislative process.
Background to the Petition
The petition follows an announcement by Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, that public hearings and stakeholder consultations on the contentious bill had concluded. Parliament’s Standing Order 238 mandates such engagements to ensure broad input on proposed legislation.
The GCRPL acknowledged Parliament’s stated commitment to incorporating public concerns and stakeholder participation. The Speaker had reportedly directed the Committee to prepare its report for the bill’s passage before the end of the current parliamentary meeting, signaling an advanced stage in the legislative journey.
Allegations of Exclusion and Unfair Hearing
Despite these acknowledgments, the GCRPL claims it was deliberately omitted from the consultation process, even after actively attempting to engage with Parliament. The organization detailed its efforts in the petition, referencing a letter sent on April 27 to the Chair of the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs. This correspondence, with reference number CEO/CCLA/P2, specifically addressed the public hearing held on April 23 and 24 at the Fiesta Royale Hotel.
The Clerk of Parliament was copied on this letter, yet, according to the GCRPL, no response or acknowledgement was received. This lack of feedback forms a central pillar of their grievance, suggesting a systemic failure to engage.
Undermining Legislative Principles
The GCRPL’s petition further contends that while select stakeholders and CSOs were invited to participate, the committee allegedly failed to provide opportunities for all invited parties to present their views effectively. This selective engagement, the organization argues, undermines fundamental principles of inclusivity and fair hearing in legislative drafting.
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