The Judicial Service of Ghana has strongly denied allegations that the Supreme Court and Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo are intentionally delaying lawsuits filed against the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, over the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Act, commonly referred to as the Anti-Gay Bill.
In response to public concerns and a petition urging the Supreme Court to expedite proceedings, the Judicial Service clarified that the delay stems from the failure of parties involved in the cases to file the necessary legal documents. According to the service, compliance with procedural rules is essential for the court to commence hearings.
“For the Supreme Court to hear any case, the parties are required to file their respective pleadings in the form of a statement of case within the timelines provided for by the Supreme Court Rules, 1996 (CJ 16),” the statement read.
It further emphasized that neither Parliament nor the parties involved have met these procedural requirements, thereby hindering the trial. The Judicial Service urged all parties to prioritize the matter and file their submissions promptly to facilitate the hearing process.
“Attach the urgency to this case as shown in the petition and file the necessary processes for the cases to be heard,” the statement added.
The controversy arises as Ghana's Parliament passed the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill on February 28, 2024. The bill, awaiting presidential assent, seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities, their promotion, advocacy, and funding. Under the proposed legislation, individuals found engaging in LGBTQ+ acts face jail terms of six months to three years, while promoters and sponsors could face three to five years of imprisonment.
The Office of the President has instructed Parliament to halt the transmission of the bill until the Supreme Court resolves the ongoing legal actions. However, should President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo withhold assent, Parliament retains the power to enact the bill into law with a two-thirds majority vote.
This development underscores the heightened tension and urgency surrounding the controversial legislation, as the nation awaits the resolution of the legal impasse.
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