The Supreme Court has granted the Attorney General’s Department an additional seven-day extension to submit its statement in the high-profile case concerning the constitutionality of the Ghanaian Family Values Bill.
This case, brought forward by journalist and private legal practitioner Richard Dela Sky, directly challenges the bill’s alignment with Ghana’s constitutional protections. Read more here
During the hearing, the State Attorney also requested that the court compel the Speaker of Parliament’s legal team to present a Financial Impact Analysis report related to the bill. The State Attorney argued that understanding the financial implications of implementing the legislation could significantly impact the case’s outcome.
The Ghanaian Family Values Bill, which seeks to uphold specific traditional family norms, has faced considerable controversy since its introduction. Critics argue it may infringe on individual rights, particularly for marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community. Richard Dela Sky contends that the bill could result in increased discrimination and undermine fundamental human rights, including equality before the law and protection from discrimination.
Sky’s lawsuit further seeks a Supreme Court order to restrain the President of the Republic from assenting to “The Human and Sexual Values Bill, 2024,” on the grounds that it would contravene constitutional safeguards for citizens’ liberties and rights.
The Financial Impact Analysis requested by the State Attorney could reveal potential economic repercussions of the bill, highlighting its alignment—or lack thereof—with Ghana’s national budget and social services framework.
The court’s additional seven-day extension provides the Attorney General’s Department time to finalize its case as the legal battle over the Family Values Bill continues to unfold.