The House of Representatives has voted to take the Draft Bill to Ban Harmful Practices, including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), to citizens across all 73 districts for broader engagement before a final decision is made.
The decision was reached during Tuesday’s sitting following the presentation of a preliminary report from the Joint Committee on Gender, Health, Internal Affairs, and Judiciary, chaired by Representative Moima Briggs Mensah. The committees had earlier been mandated to review the bill submitted by the President seeking to prohibit all harmful traditional practices in the country.
After the report was read and opened for discussion, J. Marvin Cole, Representative of Bong County’s electoral district #3, raised a motion calling for extensive nationwide consultations. Representative Cole argued that the draft bill—given its cultural and social significance—must be thoroughly discussed with citizens, especially those in communities directly affected by the proposed changes.
He emphasized the need for inclusive dialogue, noting that the people must be given the space to express their views, concerns, and recommendations before the National Legislature proceeds with any final action.
Following deliberations, plenary endorsed the motion, allowing the draft bill to be taken to all 73 districts for stakeholder consultations, community dialogues, and public engagements.
The House emphasized that the outreach process will ensure that the final decision reflects the will of the people while balancing human rights, cultural considerations, and national development priorities.
