The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has petitioned the Chief Justice to permit live coverage of court proceedings related to the contentious Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.
In a formal communication addressed to the Chief Justice, the Attorney General underscored the significant public interest surrounding the anti-gay legislation as the basis for the appeal. He urged for the inclusion of media, including radio and television, to ensure comprehensive coverage of all relevant court proceedings pertaining to the bill.
The cases highlighted in the Attorney General’s letter include two proceedings at the Supreme Court: Dr. Amanda Odoi v The Speaker of Parliament and Another (Suit No. J1/13/2023) and Richard Dela Sky v The Parliament of Ghana and Another (Suit No. J1/9/2024). Additionally, two cases at the High Court were mentioned: Mr. Paul Boama-Sefa v The Speaker of Parliament and Another (Suit No. D45/SF.128/2023) and Dr. Prince Obiri-Korang v The Attorney-General (Suit No. J1/18/2021).
Expressing his view that transparency in the proceedings would serve the administration of justice, the Attorney General emphasized the necessity for media access to facilitate public scrutiny of the legal deliberations.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which was passed in Parliament on February 28, 2024, criminalizes LGBTQ activities and prohibits their promotion, advocacy, and funding. Offenders could face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years, while promoters and sponsors of such activities may incur a jail sentence of three to five years.
Amid mounting concerns from the international community and diplomatic circles regarding the implications of the anti-LGBT legislation, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo sought to assuage fears while reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to human rights. He assured the international community of Ghana’s steadfast dedication to upholding human rights principles, emphasizing that the passage of the controversial bill did not signify regression in the nation’s human rights stance.
The Attorney General’s plea for live coverage of the legal proceedings signifies a pivotal step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the adjudication of the anti-LGBTQ bill, amidst a backdrop of heightened domestic and international scrutiny.
Source: GhanaFeed.Com
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