The Supreme Court of Ghana has granted an extension to the Attorney General’s Department, providing an additional seven days to file its statement of case in the high-profile constitutional challenge against the Ghanaian Family Values Bill. The case, initiated by journalist and lawyer Richard Dela Sky, challenges the constitutionality of the proposed legislation, which seeks to promote traditional family values but has faced criticism for potential infringement on individual rights.
During the hearing, the Attorney General’s team also requested that the court require the Speaker of Parliament’s legal team to submit a Financial Impact Analysis report on the bill. The State Attorney emphasized that understanding the financial implications could be crucial in determining the bill’s alignment with national budgets and social services.
The Family Values Bill has stirred widespread debate, with supporters advocating for the reinforcement of traditional norms and critics, including Sky, contending that it could contravene constitutional protections, particularly those ensuring equality and non-discrimination. The plaintiff argues that the bill may lead to discrimination against marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ groups, and violate constitutional rights.
Sky seeks a court order preventing the President from assenting to the bill, formally titled “The Human and Sexual Values Bill, 2024,” which he argues could infringe upon constitutional liberties and citizen rights. The case has drawn national attention, spotlighting the balance between traditional values and the protection of individual freedoms within Ghana’s legal framework.