In a significant display of activism, a coalition of pro-family organizations, religious groups, and civil society bodies are preparing to stage a peaceful march in Accra on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
The demonstration aims to demand timely judicial action on the Pro-Family Values Bill, also known as the LGBTQ+ Bill, which has been pending before the Supreme Court of Ghana.
Speaking on behalf of the organizing groups, Mr. Kesenanu Edem Senanu, Chairman of Advocates for Christ Ghana, expressed deep concern over the delays in the judicial process. He emphasized the importance of timely and effective access to justice for all citizens, regardless of whether the courts are on break or vacation.
“This march is about urging the judiciary to act with greater urgency and commitment to ensure that the legitimate hopes and aspirations of over 90% of Ghanaians are not undermined by unnecessary delays.”
Mr. Kesenanu Edem Senanu, Chairman of Advocates for Christ Ghana
Mr. Senanu warned that if the case is not heard promptly, it could lead to what he termed as an “unacceptable miscarriage of justice.” The concern is that without a swift resolution, the bill may not be concluded this year, potentially nullifying three years of legislative effort and resulting in significant financial loss to the state.
This protest is being organized by a diverse array of groups, including Advocates for Christ Ghana, the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, traditional rulers, the Muslim Ummah, and various Christian ecumenical bodies across the country.
The march reflects a broad-based concern among these organizations over the delayed judicial proceedings related to the bill, which seeks to uphold what they describe as traditional Ghanaian values.
The outcome of this case holds significant implications not just for the bill itself, but for the broader legal and political landscape in Ghana. The judiciary’s handling of this issue is being closely watched by both supporters and opponents of the bill.
For many, it is a litmus test of Ghana’s commitment to democratic principles, particularly the rule of law and the separation of powers.
Moreover, the case has drawn attention to the broader question of how quickly and efficiently the judiciary can respond to matters of national importance.
In a democratic society, the timely delivery of justice is crucial for maintaining public confidence in the legal system. Delays in high-profile cases like this one can lead to perceptions of inefficiency or even bias, which can undermine the credibility of the judiciary.
Organizing the March
The organizers have called on leaders of Christian denominations, churches, para-church groups, and ministries to inform their congregations and encourage participation in this demonstration.
The marchers intend to present a petition to the Supreme Court, urging the judiciary to expedite the hearing and ruling on the cases that have stalled the legislative process.
“The planned march is set to begin at 7:00 a.m. GMT at Obra Spot, Kwame Nkrumah Circle, and will culminate at the Supreme Court of Ghana.”
Mr. Kesenanu Edem Senanu, Chairman of Advocates for Christ Ghana
The timing of this protest is particularly significant. On July 17, 2024, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court, chaired by Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, deferred ruling on two cases related to the bill. These cases have effectively prevented Parliament from forwarding the bill to the Presidency, putting a halt to the legislative process.
Although the court suggested an early trial to resolve the matter, nearly six weeks have passed without any indication of when this trial might take place. This delay has sparked frustration among supporters of the bill, who see it as an unnecessary hindrance to the democratic process.
The Pro-Family Values Bill has been a contentious topic in Ghanaian politics for some time, with strong opinions on both sides.
For supporters, the bill is seen as a necessary step to protect Ghana’s cultural and religious values against what they view as the encroachment of Western liberal ideologies, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights. They argued that the bill reflects the will of the majority of Ghanaians who are in favor of preserving traditional family structures.
On the other hand, opponents of the bill argue that it infringes on basic human rights and could lead to increased discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals.
The bill has also raised concerns within the international community, with various human rights organizations warning that its passage could harm Ghana’s global standing.
The upcoming demonstration is a clear message to the judiciary: the people of Ghana are watching and expect their legal system to work diligently to resolve this matter. Whether the Supreme Court will respond to these calls for urgency remains to be seen, but the outcome of this case could have lasting repercussions for Ghana’s legal and political landscape.
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