We would like to express our appreciation to the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Mr Godfred Dame, and Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo for their collaboration in enabling Ghanaians to watch the live broadcast of the Supreme Court proceedings related to the challenge brought against the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2024. This act is a significant step towards promoting inclusivity in our democracy.
The bill proposes to criminalize same-sex relationships in the country, which has sparked controversy and debate both nationally and internationally. The media must cover this issue to ensure transparency and accountability, in the legal process and to keep the public informed. It is, therefore an unprecedented opportunity for Ghanaians and the global community to witness the legal proceedings firsthand.
It is possible that due to strong cultural sentiments surrounding the LGBTQ+ community and related activities, people may be hesitant to testify publicly. However, if we consider the doubts that the lack of transparency may create, it would be better to broadcast the proceedings live to erase the suspicion of those who claim that the Bill is a direct violation of the human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. The Court’s decision to broadcast the proceedings live prioritises democracy, which is the right decision under the circumstances.
Some organisations including the Ghana Journalists Association have expressed concerns about the live coverage of the proceedings. However, we believe that the live coverage will have several benefits, such as educating the public, shaping public opinion and fostering dialogue. Additionally, the international community will have the opportunity to follow the proceedings, monitor the processes, and be confident in the outcome because the Supreme Court’s decision will determine whether the Bill becomes law or not.
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