Thousands protest delayed anti-gay bill in Ghana
Accra, Ghana - October 8, 2024 - A massive demonstration took to the streets of Ghana today, October 8, 2024, as thousands of protesters demanded swift legislative action on the delayed anti-gay bill.
The protest, led by proponents of the Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-gay bill, brought together activists, community leaders, and concerned citizens.
The bill, passed by Parliament on February 28, 2024, has been awaiting presidential assent for months.
However, a Supreme Court ruling on July 17 further delayed judgments on anti-gay cases until all related legal matters are addressed. This has sparked frustration among supporters of the bill.
According to Samuel Nartey George, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and lead advocate for the bill, the Chief Justice has the authority to fast-track the resolution of the matter.
“The Chief Justice has the power to demand of all the parties in the case, that they file within the times stipulated in the Rules of Procedure, that you file a statement of claim within 14 days. All of this is clear and the Chief Justice is the one who has powers to ensure that.
“If everybody is going to take one year to file their documents, the Chief Justice thinks that that is a proper delivery of justice, where parties in the case will determine as and when and how they would be doing their filing.
“Justice delayed is justice denied and the expeditious delivery of justice is critical to an effective justice delivery system and so the Chief Justice has to be up and doing,” he added.
Source: Lead News Online
