The Supreme Court of Ghana has announced December 18, 2024, as the date to deliver its much-anticipated judgment on the constitutional challenge against the Anti-LGBTQI+ Bill. The case, initiated by legal practitioner Richard Dela Sky in May 2024, questions the bill’s alignment with Ghana’s Constitution and has since sparked nationwide debate.
The prolonged timeline of the case has been a point of contention, with proponents of the bill accusing the judiciary, particularly the Chief Justice, of intentionally delaying proceedings. However, the Judicial Service refuted these claims, emphasizing that procedural delays stemmed from the parties’ failure to file requisite documentation on time, hindering progress in the case.
Earlier in the year, the Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney General were granted permission by the court to submit their defenses. In a hearing held on November 19, 2024, the court permitted Richard Dela Sky, the applicant, to amend portions of his statement of case. This amendment necessitated additional time for the defendants to respond, further pushing back the court’s timeline.
The court’s decision to adjourn and set December 18 as the judgment date signals the culmination of a complex legal battle that touches on human rights, cultural values, and constitutional interpretation. Advocates on both sides of the debate are closely monitoring developments, as the ruling could have significant implications for Ghana’s legal and societal landscape.
As the case approaches its conclusion, legal experts and civil society organizations have urged for calm and respect for the judicial process, highlighting the importance of constitutional integrity in navigating such sensitive issues.
