The Supreme Court of Ghana has granted the Attorney General’s Department an extension to file its statement of case in the matter involving journalist and private legal practitioner Richard Dela Sky against the Speaker of Parliament.
This case challenges the constitutionality of the Ghanaian Family Values Bill, which aims to promote traditional family values but has sparked significant controversy, particularly concerning individual rights for marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community.
The apex court has allowed an additional seven days for the Attorney General’s Department to prepare its statement.
During the proceedings, the State Attorney also requested that the court compel the Speaker’s legal team to submit a report on a Financial Impact Analysis related to the Family Values Bill, emphasizing its importance in influencing the case’s outcome.
Dela Sky said the proposed legislation violates fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Ghanaian Constitution, such as equality before the law and freedom from discrimination.
He argued that the bill could increase discrimination against vulnerable populations and undermine individual dignity.
Additionally, Dela Sky is seeking an order from the Supreme Court to restrain the President from assenting to “The Human and Sexual Values Bill, 2024,” arguing that such an action would contravene constitutional protections of liberties and rights for Ghanaians.
The requested Financial Impact Analysis is crucial, as it may highlight potential economic repercussions of the bill and its alignment with the national budget and social services.
The Supreme Court has granted the Attorney General’s Department an extension of seven days to file its statement of case regarding the issues raised in the lawsuit.
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