High Court Dismisses Case Seeking to Compel Nana Addo to Accept Anti-Gay Bill

The High Court in Accra has made a decision on the mandamus application brought by Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, concerning the anti-LGBTQ bill passed by Parliament.

The application aimed to compel President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to assent to the bill. However, Justice Ellen Mireku, in her ruling, acknowledged the court’s authority but chose to dismiss the application.

Justice Mireku noted that two other suits filed by private citizens, Prof Amanda Odoi and Richard Dela Sky, were closely related to Dafeamekpor’s application, leading to the rejection of his requests.

Following the ruling, Dafeamekpor’s lead counsel, Nii Kpakpo Samoa Addo, expressed their intention to appeal the court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of the matter.

Dafeamekpor had previously filed a suit at the High Court regarding the President’s powers under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. His requests included declarations on the President’s timeframe for assenting to bills and his role in bill transmission.

He also challenged a specific letter from the Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante, alleging a breach of the Constitution. The anti-LGBTQ legislation criminalizes LGBTQ activities and their promotion, with penalties ranging from 6 months to 5 years.

Despite concerns from the diplomatic community, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo reassured the international community of Ghana’s commitment to human rights, emphasizing that the country remains dedicated to upholding these rights despite the controversial bill.