Samuel Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram and lead sponsor of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as Anti-LGBTQ/Gay bill, has lamented over the Supreme Court’s delay in hearing the cases related to the document.
The lawmaker says the Supreme Court should prioritise the matter since it has a bearing on both the Legislature and Executive arms of government.
Speaking to the media after filing his nomination Friday, September 13, 2024, the MP stated that the matter should be treated with the alacrity it deserves.
“There is no matter before the Supreme Court that is more important than determining a matter that affects both legislature and executive. Therefore, we believe this must be primus inter pares,” he has indicated.
The legislator is urging the Supreme Court to expedite its empaneling of adjudicators for the matter, citing Justice Yonny Kulendi’s previous judgement on the matter which aligns with the current cases before the apex court.
“We believe that and hold the view that in light of the judgement of the Supreme Court in that case which deals extensively with the same matters raised by Amanda Odoi and Richard Dela Sky, Chief Justice must empanel the Supreme Court and determine the matter in tandem with what her colleagues in that panel have done,” he stated.
The Anti-Gay bill was passed by Ghana’s Parliament on February 28, 2024, and for assent by the President to become law.
However, two persons, Richard Dela Sky and Dr. Amanda Odoi, have injuncted Parliament from transmitting the bill to the President for his signature.
The Supreme Court has since declined to rule on the applications, promising to expedite hearing of the substantive case.
The cases of Amanda Odoi and that of Richard Dela Sky have been pending since July 2024, with the Supreme Court yet to begin hearings.
Meanwhile, Mr. George has said a demonstration which was planned against the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkonoo, has been postponed from from September 17 to October 8, 2024 due to the NDC’s protest against the Electoral Commission (EC) for its refusal to audit the voters’ register.
Meanwhile, the Judicial Service of Ghana has refuted claims that the Chief Justice is delaying the determination of the cases.
I expect Bawumia to sign Anti-gay bill when Akufo-Addo travels abroad – Dafeamekpor
