The Supreme Court of Ghana has provided the Attorney General’s Department with an extension, granting them an additional seven days to file their statement of case in the ongoing legal dispute involving journalist and private legal practitioner Richard Dela Sky and the Speaker of Parliament.
This case addresses the controversial Ghanaian Family Values Bill, which has raised significant constitutional questions.
During the court proceedings, the State Attorney requested the court to compel the Speaker’s legal team to submit a Financial Impact Analysis report concerning the Family Values Bill.
The State Attorney argued that this analysis is vital, as it could significantly influence the case’s outcome by highlighting the financial implications of the proposed legislation.
Richard Dela Sky, the plaintiff, is challenging the bill on constitutional grounds, asserting that it violates fundamental human rights protected by the Ghanaian Constitution, including equality and freedom from discrimination.
He argued that the Family Values Bill could lead to increased discrimination against marginalized groups, particularly the LGBTQ+ community, and undermine the dignity of individuals.
Moreover, Dela Sky is seeking an order from the Supreme Court to restrain the President from assenting to the bill, contending that doing so would violate constitutional safeguards for the rights and liberties of Ghanaians.
The State Attorney highlighted the importance of the Financial Impact Analysis, stating that it would provide insight into the potential economic consequences of the bill’s implementation and its alignment with the national budget and social services.