The lead advocate for the anti-LGBTQ bill, Samuel Nartey George has announced the postponement of the September 17 planned demonstration against the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo.
It was initially scheduled for August 21 but moved to September 17 and is now rescheduled for October 8.
The Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament(MP) has explained the postponement is to pave the way for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) nationwide demonstration against the Electoral Commission (EC) on Tuesday, September 17.
The march is to protest the delays in transmitting the bill to President Nana Akufo-Addo and hearing of two cases before the Supreme Court.
Expressing frustration over the delays, he stated that the two cases, which could impact both the legislature and executive, should be prioritised for a swift determination.
“There is no matter before the Supreme Court that is more important than determining a matter that affects both legislature and executive. Therefore, we believe this must be primus inter pares,” he said.
The Apex Court declined to rule on applications seeking to injunct Parliament from transmitting the bill to the President and promised an expedited hearing of the substantive case.
The cases of Amanda Odoi and that of Richard Dela Sky have been pending since July, with the Supreme Court yet to begin hearings.
But Mr George, citing a previous judgment by Justice Yonny Kulendi has emphasised that it aligns with the issues raised in the current cases brought forward by Amanda Odoi and Richard Dela Sky.
“We believe that and hold the view that in light of the judgement of the Supreme Court in that case which deals extensively with the same matters raised by Amanda Odoi and Richard Dela Sky, Chief Justice must empanel the Supreme Court and determine the matter in tandem with what her colleagues in that panel have done,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Judicial Service addressing concerns over the delay explained that the parties involved are yet to complete the necessary procedural work before hearings can proceed.
Source: adomonline.com
