Ayariga’s stance on anti-LGBTQ+ Bill may have influenced his removal as Majority Leader – Kpebu

Martin Kpebu, a private legal practitioner, has suggested that Mahama Ayariga's stance on the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ Bill may have played a role in his removal as Majority Leader. Kpebu made his comments during an appearance on TV3 on Saturday, August 8. He noted the conflicting positions taken by Speaker Alban Bagbin and Ayariga regarding the bill's status.

Bagbin has argued that parliamentary procedures were breached and called for the possibility of reconsidering the bill, while Ayariga maintains that Parliament has already passed the legislation, which should be sent to the President for assent. Kpebu argued that Ayariga's position could make it difficult for the Majority to attempt to reconsider the bill as per Bagbin and President John Mahama's views.

He suggested that this disagreement could provide a rational basis for the change in Majority leadership, although he acknowledged that other factors may have influenced the decision. Kpebu highlighted the international attention the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation has garnered, including concerns from the U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris.

He emphasized that reconsidering the bill could be challenging with Ayariga as Majority Leader, who firmly believes the parliament has already completed its work on the legislation. Kpebu cautioned against interpreting his comments as the official reason for Ayariga's removal, stating that it is one factor among many that should be considered.