Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has expressed Parliament's readiness to expedite the passage of the Property Rights of Spouses Bill to ensure equitable property distribution during marital dissolution.

Addressing Vulnerability

Speaking after receiving a petition from the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Ghana, Bagbin noted that MPs frequently witness the hardships faced by women and children regarding housing and survival due to a lack of legal protections.

He stated that Parliament is prepared to pass the bill under a certificate of urgency if required.

Implementation Concerns

While affirming Parliament's commitment, Bagbin cautioned that the law’s effectiveness depends on enforcement. "You can pass a bill, it becomes law, and if they’re not implementing it, we’re back to square one," he remarked, emphasising that the legislation benefits society as a whole rather than just women and children.

Constitutional Mandate

The petition from FIDA Ghana highlighted that Article 22 of the 1992 Constitution mandates Parliament to regulate spousal property rights—a requirement that remains unfulfilled after 33 years.

FIDA Ghana Board President Gloria Ofori-Boadu acknowledged that while the Supreme Court has established some legal principles through case law, these do not offer the same consistency as formal legislation.

The organisation warned that the ongoing delay continues to cause displacement and deprivation for many families.