The Supreme Court of Ghana has dismissed two cases filed by media personality Richard Dela Sky and Dr. Amanda Odoi against the controversial anti-LGBTQI Bill.
The apex court, on Wednesday, December 18, unanimously ruled against both suits, upholding the legal standing of the bill.
Richard Dela Sky had contested the legality of the bill, arguing that it violated several provisions of the 1992 Constitution, including Articles 33(5), 12(1) and (2), 15(1), 17(1) and (2), 18(2), and 21(1)(a)(b)(d) and (e).
Sky sought eight reliefs, including a declaration that the Speaker of Parliament breached Article 108(a)(ii) by allowing the bill to proceed, which he claimed would impose a charge on the Consolidated Fund or public funds of Ghana.
Dr. Amanda Odoi, in her suit, had sought a restraining order to prevent the Speaker of Parliament, the Attorney-General, and the Clerk of Parliament from sending the bill to President Akufo-Addo for assent.
However, the Supreme Court dismissed her case, noting that the writ had not properly invoked the jurisdiction of the court.
Both lawsuits aimed to halt the passage of the anti-LGBTQI bill, arguing that it violated constitutional provisions and posed potential legal overreach.
Despite the rulings, the bill remains a contentious issue, with ongoing debate regarding its implications for human rights and the protection of minority groups in Ghana.
This legal decision comes amid strong national and international debates about the bill’s passage, which has sparked widespread discussions around the rights of LGBTQ individuals and the balance of personal freedoms and legislative power.
