The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has made a plea to the Chief Justice to allow live coverage of the proceedings concerning the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, often dubbed the anti-LGBTQ bill.
In his letter to the Chief Justice, the Attorney General highlighted the significant public interest in the anti-gay bill as the basis for the request.
“Given the substantial public interest in the cases relating to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2024 (the Bill), I respectfully propose that the media (including radio and television) be granted unrestricted access to the relevant courts to cover all proceedings in those cases related to the Bill.
“The cases in question are as follows: Supreme Court 1. Dr. Amanda Odoi v The Speaker of Parliament and Another (Suit No. J1/13/2023), and 2. Richard Dela Sky v The Parliament of Ghana and Another (Suit No. J1/9/2024).
“High Court 1. Mr. Paul Boama-Sefa v The Speaker of Parliament and Another (Suit No. D45/SF.128/2023), and 2. Dr. Prince Obiri-Korang v The Attorney-General (Suit No. J1/18/2021)
“I believe that the transparency fostered by coverage of the proceedings would serve the interests of justice.”
The anti-gay legislation, passed in Parliament on February 28, 2024, criminalizes LGBTQ activities and prohibits their promotion, advocacy, and funding.
Those found guilty could face imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 3 years, while promoters and sponsors of the act may face a jail term of 3 to 5 years.
Amid growing concerns from the diplomatic community and international organizations regarding the anti-LGBT+ bill, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo sought to reassure, affirming Ghana’s dedication to human rights.
He assured the international community that Ghana remains committed to upholding human rights, despite the passage of the controversial bill.
