The Office of the President has confirmed that President Akufo-Addo has not rejected the Criminal Offences (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2023, which aims to criminalize witch doctors and the act of witch-finding.
This clarification was made after Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, expressed dissatisfaction with the alleged silence of the President regarding the bill.
However, the President’s Office has clarified that the bill was only presented to him on Monday, November 27, 2023, which coincided with the day the Speaker raised concerns about it.
The bill, introduced by MP Francis Xavier Sosu as a private member’s bill, seeks to prevent assaults on individuals accused of witchcraft and prohibit the activities of witch doctors and witch-finders.
The statement goes on to clarify that the President is taking his constitutional responsibilities seriously and will thoroughly assess the bill before reaching a decision.
In response to claims made by the Speaker of Parliament and the Minority Caucus in Parliament, the statement refutes the accusation that President Akufo-Addo has remained silent on the bill. It highlights that the bill was officially presented to the President on Monday, November 27, 2023, the same day that the Speaker made the accusation.
Additionally, the President received the bill for his endorsement alongside the Wildlife Resources Management Bill, 2023, and the National Petroleum Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023. This occurred through an official letter dated November 27, 2023, with reference PS/CS/112/826 (attached for reference).
The statement concludes that the claim that the bill has been neglected on the President’s desk is entirely inaccurate, as it has received due attention.
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