After more than eight months of legal proceedings, the Supreme Court of Ghana has scheduled December 18, 2024, to deliver its judgment on the cases challenging the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the Anti-LGBTQ Bill.
The cases, filed separately by renowned broadcast journalist and lawyer Richard Dela Sky, and researcher Dr. Amanda Odoi, were heard by the apex court on Tuesday, November 14.
Richard Sky’s Case
When Richard Dela Sky’s case was called, his legal team, led by Paa Kwesi Abaidoo, sought permission from the court to amend portions of their initial statement of case. The amendment focused on the omission of a Financial Impact Assessment report, a requirement under Ghanaian law for all private member bills. Abaidoo argued that Parliament failed to attach this critical report when passing the controversial Anti-LGBTQ Bill, raising questions about procedural compliance.
Senior State Attorney Richard Gyembibi, representing the state, informed the court that he would rely on the existing statement of case filed on November 11, which countered Sky’s claims.
Amanda Odoi’s Case
Similarly, the court heard the suit brought by Dr. Amanda Odoi, a respected researcher, who has also raised procedural and substantive issues concerning the Anti-LGBTQ Bill. Her legal arguments aligned with some of the broader constitutional concerns cited in Sky’s case.
Court Orders and Adjournment
The seven-member panel of justices, chaired by Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson, directed the Attorney-General and the legal team representing the Speaker of Parliament to file responses to the amended statement of case submitted by Sky’s counsel. The same directive was issued for the suit filed by Dr. Amanda Odoi.
After hearing submissions from all parties, the court announced that it would rely on the memorandum of issues and the statements of case filed to determine the matter. The final judgment on both suits has been set for December 18, a date that could have significant implications for the future of the Anti-LGBTQ Bill.
Implications
The judgment is eagerly anticipated as it will not only clarify constitutional issues surrounding the passage of the bill but also influence the broader legal framework regarding human rights, legislative processes, and private member bills in Ghana. Both local and international observers are closely monitoring the case, given its potential impact on Ghana’s human rights landscape.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson
