|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Supreme Court has scheduled July 17, 2024, to announce the rulings for two lawsuits filed by Broadcast Journalist Richard Dela Sky and Researcher Dr. Amanda Odoi against Parliament’s passing of the controversial anti-gay bill.
Mr. Sky challenges the bill’s constitutionality and seeks a declaration that Parliament’s passage violates multiple provisions of the 1992 constitution and the country’s laws, along with fundamental human rights guaranteed by the constitution.
Dr. Odoi has concerns about specific provisions in the bill and seeks a restraining order to prevent Speaker, Attorney General, and Clerk of Parliament from sending it to President Akufo-Addo for approval.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo informed the court that the cases will not be consolidated, and separate rulings will be issued, following a request from Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame.
Dr. Ernest Ackon, counsel for Amanda Odoi, argued that the bill imposes a direct charge on public funds, violating Article 108, and highlighted the absence of a fiscal impact analysis before submission to the President.
Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, as the second respondent, argued that the Speaker’s discretion is constitutionally constrained, justifying the Supreme Court’s decision on the injunction application.
Dr. Amanda Odoi seeks an injunction to halt the Speaker from transmitting the bill to the President.
Thaddeus Sory, representing the Speaker of Parliament, countered that the applicant’s claims regarding the need for a fiscal impact analysis lacked constitutional support, especially since the bill does not explicitly state it imposes a charge on the consolidated fund.
He argued that the ongoing process of transmitting the bill to the President for assent is outside the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction to deliberate.
He urged the court to dismiss the application.
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, is currently hearing the case of Richard Dela Sky.