The Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) has condemned the behavior of demonstrators from the ‘Family Values March’ who protested at the Supreme Court while presenting a petition regarding delays in hearing anti-LGBTQ+ cases.
Justice Henry Kwofie, President of the AMJG, expressed concerns about the demonstrators’ actions on October 8, 2024, which included shouting abuses at the judiciary and demanding judgment in cases that are not yet ready for hearing.
He emphasized that the Supreme Court registrar had already clarified that the cases of Richard Skye and Amanda Odoi were not ripe for hearing.
‘’In effect, Richard Skye and Amanda Odoi cases are not ripe for hearing, and the press release of the Supreme Court registrar made that very clear to everyone who heard the press, who read the press release’’.
And yet, in spite of this clear statement by the registrar on the sequence of events in the case, on Tuesday, the 8 October 2024, a group of people went on demonstration and sought to enter the Supreme Court premises, Justice Kwofie stated.
Justice Kwofie criticized the conduct of the demonstrators, including a member of parliament for Ningo Prampram Sam George , stating, “Such behavior subverts the judicial process and undermines the administration of justice.
‘’Now, the conduct of the demonstrators and their leaders, one of whom was a member of parliament, and the behavior they put up and the insults left much to be desired.
It is worth pointing out that every court, from the district court through to the Supreme Court, has a procedure that has to be followed by every litigant before the case will be ripe for hearing.’’
He called for all parties involved in litigation to exercise restraint and respect the judicial process, warning that attacks on the judiciary could lead to serious consequences.
He reiterated the need for mutual respect among all branches of government to ensure a peaceful working environment in the country.
The Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) condemns the behavior of the ‘Family Values March’ at the premises of the Supreme Court while presenting a petition to the Chief Justice over delays in hearing anti-LGBTQ+ cases… #GHOneNews #EIBNetwork #GHOneTV… pic.twitter.com/38XWcNQhEj
— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) October 10, 2024
