At the ongoing Anti-LGBTQ Demonstration organized by the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, outspoken Member of Parliament (MP) Sam George called for decisive action from Ghana’s Chief Justice and the Judiciary, accusing them of obstructing justice in the ongoing legal battle over the Family Values Bill. Addressing a charged crowd, George condemned what he described as a coordinated effort to delay the passage of the bill, which was unanimously approved by Parliament on February 28, 2024.
In a passionate speech, George rallied supporters, asking them to “stand against the forces of evil and the forces of darkness” that he claims have infiltrated both the Executive and Judicial branches of government. He criticized these institutions for allegedly conspiring to block the will of the Ghanaian people, as expressed through Parliament’s approval of the Family Values Bill.
“The people of Ghana have spoken,” George declared. “Now that the people of Ghana have passed their bill through Parliament, she [the Chief Justice] claims that she wants to place an injunction on Parliament.”
George expressed frustration at what he sees as deliberate delays by the Judiciary, pointing to a lawsuit filed shortly after the bill’s passage. He revealed that the Executive initially claimed there was a legal challenge against the bill before one was even filed. “The President asked his Executive Secretary to write a cease-and-desist letter to Parliament, claiming that there was a lawsuit against the bill at which time there was no lawsuit,” George explained. He added that only after 48 hours did plaintiffs Richard Dela Sky and Amanda Odoi file a case with the Supreme Court.
The MP also slammed the Attorney General for allegedly collaborating with the plaintiffs to stall the case. “Now the Attorney General is working in cahoots with the plaintiffs to delay the case,” he said, highlighting what he believes to be a lack of transparency and impartiality within the Judicial system.
George’s sharpest criticism was directed at Ghana’s Chief Justice, whom he accused of stalling the legal process. “Madame Chief Justice, you are supposed to be an enforcer of speedy judicial service, but you are not only becoming an impediment in the will of justice, you are actually a cog in the wheel of justice delivery in our country,” he charged.
Citing the Chief Justice’s handling of other cases, George argued that there has been a double standard in how swiftly cases involving the government are resolved compared to those involving the people. He referred to a recent case where an injunction on tax exemptions filed on July 29, 2024, was resolved within 24 hours. “The same day, the Chief Justice gave a hearing notice for the next day… within 24 hours, the Chief Justice gave judgment for the Attorney General and for government,” George said. “She must do the same for the people of Ghana. We demand the same.”
He concluded his speech with a direct call for action, warning the Chief Justice to expedite the ruling on the Family Values Bill. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” he asserted, adding that if no judgment is issued soon, the people will take further action. “We are heading to the Supreme Court, and we will get justice today,” he vowed. Watch the video below
Sam George’s speech marks the latest development in a high-stakes political and legal battle over the Family Values Bill, with both sides entrenched in their positions. For now, the nation watches as the courts deliberate on a case that could have significant implications for Ghana’s legal and social landscape.