The Office of the President has asked Parliament to desist from transmitting the anti-gay bill to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his assent.
According to Nana Bediatuo Asante, the Secretary to the President, this follows the acknowledgment of two pending applications for an order of interlocutory injunction before the Supreme Court.
The applications seek to stop Parliament from transmitting the Bill to the President and to restrain the President from assenting to the Bill, pending the final determination of the matter.
In a statement signed by Nana Bediatuo, dated March 18, 2024, the office disclosed that the Attorney-General had informed the President via a letter dated March 18, 2024, that he had been duly served with both applications.
“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 settled law that during the pendency of an interlocutory injunction application, the status quo ante should be maintained, and no action should be taken that could prejudice the injunctive relief sought and 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.
Source: Kasapafmonline.com