Mensah Thompson, Executive Director of the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA), has condemned President Akufo-Addo’s decision to delay assent to the Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, calling it “unfortunate and bizarre.” He argues that this delay could have significant financial implications for the country, as the time and efforts invested by parliamentarians and supporting organizations would be wasted if the current parliament fails to complete the process before the president leaves office.
Thompson claims there is a deliberate attempt by the government, along with technical maneuvers from the judiciary and the Chief Justice, to stall the passage of the bill. He made these comments on the “Adekyee Mu Nsem” morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra.
Thompson expressed his support for today’s ongoing protest, noting that approximately 90% of Ghanaians, particularly religious and secular groups, oppose LGBTQ+ practices.
Meanwhile, proponents of the Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, often referred to as the anti-gay bill, are staging a protest today, October 8, to voice their frustration over the delays in the bill’s approval. They are calling for the president to give immediate assent to the legislation, which has been pending since Parliament passed it on February 28.
The delays have been exacerbated by a Supreme Court ruling on July 17 that postponed judgments on anti-gay cases until all related legal matters are resolved. In a media interview, the bill’s lead advocate and Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, emphasized that the Chief Justice has the authority to expedite the resolution of these matters.
“The Chief Justice has the power to require all parties in the case to file their documents within the stipulated timeframes. If everyone takes a year to file, the Chief Justice must question whether that constitutes a proper delivery of justice,” he stated.
“Justice delayed is justice denied, and the timely delivery of justice is essential for an effective judicial system. The Chief Justice must take action to ensure this happens.”
Story by: Alexander Kukah
