Accra: Director of Communications for the United Party, Solomon Owusu, has urged the removal of the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, due to the controversy surrounding the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, known as the anti-LGBTQI+ bill. Speaking on Joy News and monitored by GhanaWeb on June 4, 2026, Owusu argued that the Speaker failed in his duty and should be removed under Article 95(d) of the Constitution.
According to Ghana Web, Solomon Owusu criticized Speaker Bagbin for his inconsistent stance on the bill, describing his approach as blowing "hot and cold." Owusu emphasized that the Speaker's actions have been a disservice to the nation and called for his removal, citing the disgrace brought to those who supported the bill's passage.
Owusu questioned the necessity of the Speaker's presence during the bill's passage, arguing that Parliament has the authority to enact laws irrespective of who presides. He noted that the Speaker was not elected by the public, and that Members of Parliament, who hold the actual power, have effectively done their job. Owusu also pointed out that the absence of Speaker Bagbin in the chair does not invalidate parliamentary decisions.
Furthermore, Owusu highlighted previous legislative processes where bills were passed without minority participation, using the E-Levy bill as an example to support his argument. His comments come in response to Speaker Bagbin's recent expression of surprise at the swift passage of the bill.
Speaker Bagbin had remarked at a media engagement in Accra on June 1, 2026, that the rapid passage of the bill was unexpected, as it was still at the consideration stage. He anticipated more time for deliberations, given other parliamentary activities, and was surprised by the bill's passage on Friday. Bagbin mentioned he had invited parliamentary leaders for further discussions to ensure consensus on the bill's implementation.