The Supreme Court of Ghana has granted the Attorney General’s Department an extension of time to file its statement of case in the matter involving journalist and private legal practitioner Richard Dela Sky versus the Speaker of Parliament.
The case challenges the constitutionality of the Ghanaian Family Values Bill.
The apex court has provided an additional seven days for the Attorney General’s Department to prepare its statement.
During the proceedings, the State Attorney also 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.
The State Attorney argued that this analysis could significantly influence the case’s outcome, emphasizing the importance of understanding the financial implications of the proposed legislation.
The case of Richard Dela Sky versus the Speaker of Parliament revolves around the Ghanaian Family Values Bill, which has sparked significant controversy since its introduction.
The bill aims to promote certain traditional family values and norms, but critics argue that it could infringe on individual rights, particularly those of marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community.
Plaintiff Richard Dela Sky, a journalist and private legal practitioner, is challenging the bill’s constitutionality.
He asserts that the proposed legislation violates fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Ghanaian Constitution, such as equality before the law and freedom from discrimination.
Dela Sky contends that the Family Values Bill contravenes constitutional provisions that protect the rights of all citizens. He argues that the bill could lead to increased discrimination against vulnerable populations and undermine the dignity of individuals.
Sky also wants the Supreme Court to give an “order restraining the President of the Republic from assenting to ‘The Human and Sexual Values Bill, 2024,’ as such action will directly contravene the constitutional safeguards of liberties and rights of Ghanaians.”
The State Attorney requested that the Speaker’s legal team provide a report on a Financial Impact Analysis of the bill. This analysis is crucial as it may reveal the potential economic repercussions of implementing the bill and how it aligns with the national budget and social services.
The Supreme Court has allowed the Attorney General’s Department additional time—specifically, seven days—to file its statement of case regarding the issues raised in the lawsuit,
