The Supreme Court of Ghana has granted the Attorney General’s Department a seven-day extension to file its statement of case in the highly contentious matter involving journalist and private legal practitioner Richard Dela Sky against the Speaker of Parliament.
At the heart of the case is the Ghanaian Family Values Bill, which aims to promote traditional family values but has sparked intense debate, particularly regarding individual rights for marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community. The bill’s constitutionality is being challenged, with Dela Sky arguing that it violates fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Ghanaian Constitution, such as equality before the law and freedom from discrimination.
“The proposed legislation violates fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Ghanaian Constitution,” Dela Sky said. “It could increase discrimination against vulnerable populations and undermine individual dignity.”
During proceedings, the State Attorney 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 significance in influencing the case’s outcome. This analysis is crucial, as it may highlight potential economic repercussions of the bill and its alignment with the national budget and social services.
Dela Sky is also seeking an order from the Supreme Court to restrain the President from assenting to “The Human and Sexual Values Bill, 2024,” arguing that such action would contravene constitutional protections of liberties and rights for Ghanaians.
The Supreme Court’s decision to grant the extension allows the Attorney General’s Department additional time to prepare its statement of case regarding the issues raised in the lawsuit.
