Samuel Nartey George, the lead advocate for the anti-LGBTQ bill and Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament (MP), has announced the postponement of the planned demonstration against Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.
Originally set for August 21, the protest was first rescheduled to September 17 and has now been moved to October 8.
According to Sam George, the delay is to allow for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to hold its nationwide protest 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, Sam George 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 seeking an injunction to prevent Parliament from transmitting the bill to the President and promised an expedited hearing of the substantive case.
The case 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.
