Halt Transmission of Anti-Gay Bill to President Akufo-Addo – Presidency Urges Parliament

The Office of the President has requested Parliament to hold off on sending the anti-gay bill to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his approval.

This decision, attributed to Nana Bediatuo Asante, the Secretary to the President, is motivated by the acknowledgment of two pending applications for an order of interlocutory injunction before the Supreme Court.

The applications seek to prevent Parliament from sending the Bill to the President and to restrain the President from signifying his assent to the Bill, pending the final determination of the matter.

In a statement signed by Nana Bediatuo on Monday, the Office revealed that the Attorney-General had notified the President, through a letter dated March 18, 2024, that he had been properly served with both applications.

The statement further indicated that the Attorney-General advised the President not to take any action regarding the Bill until the issues raised by the lawsuits are resolved by the Supreme Court.

“It is the understanding of this Office that both applications have also been duly served on Parliament. Therefore, it would be improper for you to transmit the Bill to the President and equally improper for this Office to receive the Bill until the Supreme Court determines the matters raised in the suits,” it added.

The Office further stated that it is established law that during the pendency of an interlocutory injunction application, the statement emphasized that the status quo ante should be maintained, and cautioned against taking any actions that could prejudice the injunctive relief sought or undermine the authority of the court.

“In the circumstances, you are kindly requested to cease and desist from transmitting the Bill to the President until the matters before the Supreme Court are resolved,” it added.

STORY BY ; PORTIA AKU SHIKA GAFAH