One of the sponsors of the recently passed anti-LGBTQ+ bill by Parliament, Rockson Dafeamekpor, has declared his intention to take legal action against President Akufo-Addo if he fails to assent to the bill within 14 days of receiving it from Parliament.
The Member of Parliament for South Dayi expressed his readiness to pursue the matter in the Supreme Court to compel President Akufo-Addo to fulfil his constitutional duties.
In an interview on JoyNews' AM Show on Thursday, March 7, Dafeamekpor emphasized that he and his fellow sponsors are unwavering in their commitment to seeing the bill enacted into law.
"As soon as we remit this to his office, time will begin to count and after 14 days if he doesn’t exercise responsibility, I’m going back to the Supreme Court to compel him to perform his constitutional function. I will suit the President," he said.
The legislator also asserted that Richard Dela Sky's lawsuit against Parliament at the Supreme Court concerning the passage of the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill is destined to fail.
He pointed out that since the bill has not yet become law, Sky cannot file a lawsuit against it.
In his opinion, the Supreme Court should not consider the lawsuit and should instead dismiss it outright.
"It will fail because the law is very definite on such a matter. My position is grounded in law and I am confident of this."
"I expect the Supreme Court to throw it away. The Bill is not yet a law. It is part of a calculated agenda to delay it."
After years of deliberation, the controversial bill was unanimously passed by legislators on February 28, 2024. Pressure is mounting on President Akufo-Addo from Members of Parliament to sign the bill into law.
However, the President has expressed his intention to withhold his assent until the court issues a ruling on the matter.
The bill proposes a three-to-five-year jail term for individuals who promote or sponsor LGBTQ activities, while those found engaging in such activities are subject to a minimum sentence of 6 months and a maximum of 3 years.
Credit: Ernest K. Arhinful