In a move aimed at promoting transparency and public engagement, Ghana’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has urged the Chief Justice to allow live coverage of proceedings related to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Justice, the Attorney General emphasized the significant public interest surrounding the anti-gay legislation as the basis for the appeal. He recommended granting the media, including radio and television, full access to relevant courts to cover all proceedings related to the bill.
The cases referenced in the letter include Dr. Amanda Odoi v The Speaker of Parliament and Another (Suit No. J1/13/2023), Richard Dela Sky v The Parliament of Ghana and Another (Suit No. J1/9/2024) at the Supreme Court, and Mr. Paul Boama-Sefa v The Speaker of Parliament and Another (Suit No. D45/SF.128/2023), and Dr. Prince Obiri-Korang v The Attorney-General (Suit No. J1/18/2021) at the High Court.
The Attorney General stressed that transparency in the proceedings would serve the best interests of the administration of justice, allowing the public to closely follow the legal developments concerning the controversial bill.
The anti-gay legislation, which passed in Parliament on February 28, 2024, criminalizes LGBTQ activities and prohibits their promotion, advocacy, and funding. Offenders could face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years, while promoters and sponsors of the act may incur jail sentences ranging from three to five years.
In light of growing concerns from the diplomatic community and international organizations regarding the anti-LGBTQ bill, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo sought to reassure the international community of Ghana’s commitment to human rights. Despite the passage of the contentious bill, President Akufo-Addo affirmed that Ghana has no intention of backtracking on its commitment to human rights principles.
The call for live coverage of the legal proceedings reflects a broader effort towards transparency and accountability in Ghana’s legal system, allowing citizens and stakeholders to engage with important legal matters that impact societal values and human rights.