Fifi Kwetey expressed bewilderment over the Chief Justice’s prioritization of certain cases over others. Specifically, he questioned why the case of the Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has been slated for hearing ahead of a suit filed by Richard Dela Sky, a lawyer and journalist.
“The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has observed the decision by the Chief Justice of Ghana to prioritize the case of Rockson-Nelson Etse K. Dafeamekpor v. the Speaker of Parliament and Attorney-General (SUIT NO: J1/12/2024) for hearing on Wednesday, 27th March, 2024.”
“The NDC finds it puzzling that the Dafeamekpor case has been prioritized over the case of Richard Dela Sky v. the Parliament of Ghana and the Attorney-General,” portions of the statement read.
Dafeamekpor’s case challenges the constitutionality of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s latest ministerial nominations, while Dela Sky’s suit aims to challenge the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2024, also known as the anti-gay bill.
According to the NDC, it is perplexing that Sky’s case, filed on March 5, 2024, has yet to be heard by the Supreme Court, whereas Dafeamekpor’s case, filed on March 18, has been scheduled for today, Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
“It is interesting to note, that Richard Dela Sky filed his writ of summons in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2024, on the 5th of March 2024. This was almost two (2) clear weeks before Hon. Rockson Dafeamekpor filed his writ of summons on 18th March 2024 challenging the constitutionality of the latest ministerial nominations by the President,” he stated.
Fifi Kwetey suggested that the actions of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo appear deliberate.
“Even more bizarre is the fact that the case filed by some NDC Members of Parliament, challenging the constitutionality of the passage of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) Bill, as far back as 2022, has not been listed for hearing by the Supreme Court till date.