This directive was issued through a statement from the Office of the President on March 18, 2024.
The statement, released by Nana Bediatuo Asante, Secretary to the President, addressed Parliament’s attempt to present the bill for the President’s approval during his absence at a Cabinet Retreat on March 14, 2024.
It was disclosed that President Akufo-Addo’s administration had been notified of two pending applications for an order of interlocutory injunction filed in the Supreme Court. These applications, submitted on March 7, 2024, aimed to prevent Parliament from sending the bill to the President and the President from signing it until the issues raised in the lawsuits were resolved.
In a letter dated March 18, 2024, the Attorney-General informed the President of being served with both applications and advised against any action concerning the bill until the Supreme Court made its decisions. It was clarified that both applications had also been served in Parliament.
The statement stressed the importance of maintaining the status quo ante during the interlocutory injunction application process, emphasizing the need to refrain from actions that could prejudice the relief sought and undermine the court’s authority.
Given these circumstances, Parliament was urged to halt the transmission of the bill to the President until the matters before the Supreme Court were resolved.
President Akufo-Addo’s directive comes amid heightened debate and controversy surrounding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, particularly its LGBTQ+ rights provisions. The bill has sparked widespread discussions and protests in Ghana and internationally, bringing attention to human rights, equality, and societal values issues.
Read the full statement here:
