- The new law would alter the Criminal Offenses Act, 1960 (Act 29) when President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo signs it, changing the death penalty to life in prison and providing for relevant matters. Francis-Xavier Sosu, a member of parliament (MP) for Madina and a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), proposed the Private Members’ Bill.
- The main goal of the new law is to overhaul Ghana’s criminal justice system to better serve a developing society and bring Ghana into the club of countries that have abandoned the death penalty. Alban Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker, submitted it to the Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Issues, which on Tuesday gave a report about it to the entire House.
- Alban Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker, submitted it to the Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Issues, which on tuesday gave a report about it to the entire house. After the report, the house successfully adopted the measure by voice vote.
- The motion was opposed by the NPP’s Habib Iddrisu for Tolon, the NDC’s Cletus Avoka for Zebilla East, and the NPP’s Bright Wireko-Brobbey for Hemang Lower Denkyira.
- Supporters of the bill included, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) representative for Asante Akim North, Andy Appiah-Kubi, the NDC representative for Talensi, Benson Baba Tongo, the NDC representative for Krachi West, Helen Adwoa Ntoso, and the NDC representative for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga.
