An Accra High Court has ignited legal discussions, as it rejected a petition filed by South Dayi Member of Parliament, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor. The petition aimed to compel President Akufo-Addo to sign the controversial anti-LGBTQ Bill, which was recently passed by Parliament.
Represented by Chief State Attorney Sylvia Adeso, the Attorney-General’s legal team argued that the High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain Dafeamekpor’s application. However, Justice Ellen Mireku clarified that the court did have jurisdiction but exercised discretion in dismissing the petition.
Justice Mireku highlighted that the court’s decision was influenced by two separate lawsuits filed by private individuals, Prof Amanda Odoi and Richard Dela Sky, which directly intersected with Dafeamekpor’s application.
Dafeamekpor’s application sought to compel Parliament to forward the anti-LGBTQ bill to the President and prompt him to either sign it or provide reasons for not assenting within the stipulated seven-day period as per the 1992 Constitution.
“I’m a bit satisfied that the court said it has jurisdiction to hear the matter,” said Nii Kpakpo Samoa Addo, lead counsel for Dafeamekpor, adding, “If we meet the criteria for granting the remedy… the discretion I believe should be exercised in favour of the Constitution.”
By Bernice Adjei Kodie
