Ghana’s Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected two bids to overturn a contested piece of legislation severely curtailing LGBTQ rights which was adopted by MPs earlier this year.

Lawmakers approved the Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill in February, drawing international condemnation despite gaining wide public support in the conservative west African country.

The proposed legislation stipulates jail terms of six months to three years for engaging in LGBTQ sex.

The bill only enters into law after being ratified by the outgoing president Nana Akufo-Addo, who has not yet announced his decision.

Akufo-Addo, who officially steps down on January 7 after two terms in office, had said he would first await the Supreme Court’s ruling on the bill’s constitutionality.

“It will be premature for this court to exercise its interpretive and enforcement jurisdiction to intervene. Consequently, the action fails,” judge Avril Lovelace-Johnson, head of the court’s seven-member panel said, reading its judgement.

“Until there is presidential assent to the bill, there is no act of which the Supreme Court will use its supervisory jurisdiction to overturn,” she added.

The court’s ruling followed cases filed by Ghanaian broadcaster Richard Dela-Sky, who challenged the constitutionality of the bill, and university researcher Amanda Odoi.

The bill sparked criticism from several countries, including the United States, as well as concern from Ghana’s finance ministry, which warned of a risk of losing billions of dollars in World Bank funding.

The Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos State Command, has advised motorists and the public to exercise caution following a road traffic crash on the Kara Bridge, Berger, along the Ibadan-bound section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The crash, which occurred early Wednesday, involved a trailer carrying containers that fell, narrowing the lanes and creating significant traffic gridlock.

In a statement signed by the FRSC Lagos Sector Commander, Kehinde Hamzat, on Wednesday, the agency urged motorists to remain calm and avoid actions that could aggravate the situation.

The FRSC noted that some impatient drivers worsened the situation by driving against traffic flow on the Lagos-bound side of the road, further disrupting traffic in both directions.

“We remain committed to ensuring the safety of all road users. We urge the public to cooperate with traffic officials on the ground and avoid actions that could worsen the traffic situation,” the statement read.

The FRSC said it is working alongside the police, LASTMA, and other traffic management agencies to clear the fallen trailer and restore normal traffic flow.

Hamzat stated that the FRSC is “deploying professionals and mobilising the necessary recovery equipment to remove the fallen trailer and restore normal traffic flow.”

FRSC encouraged motorists to “explore alternative routes to avoid delays.

“Postpone non-essential trips where possible to ease traffic congestion.

“Exercise patience and caution to ensure safety during this period.”

The Lagos State Government has shut down several establishments, including churches, hotels, and entertainment venues, over violations of noise pollution regulations and other environmental infractions that pose significant risks to public health and safety.

The affected locations include Shomolu, Oniru Victoria Island, Jakande-Lekki, Badore Ajah, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Sangotedo, Lekki II, Ogombo, and Lekki Phase 1, among others.

The enforcement action was carried out by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), as disclosed on the agency’s X account on Monday.

These businesses, including churches, hotels, lounges, and restaurants, were found to be contributing to excessive noise levels and engaging in other practices harmful to the environment, leading to swift intervention by LASEPA.

“The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) intensified its enforcement operations by sealing off several establishments across various locations in the State.  

“The action was taken in response to persistent noise pollution and other environmental infractions that posed significant risks to public health and safety. 

“The affected areas included; Shomolu, Oniru Victoria Island, Jakande-Lekki, Badore Ajah, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Sangotedo, and Lekki II,Ogombo, Lekki Phase 1 among others,” the statement read in part.

The statement stressed that these enforcement actions reflect the agency’s commitment to maintaining a healthy environment, noting that noise pollution and other environmental violations disrupt the peace and health of communities.

The establishments sealed by LASEPA include:

• Celestial Church
• Zodiac Lounge
• Pixel Park Studio
• The Lord’s Chosen Church
• Sneakers Suites & Bar
• Wimpy Hotel
• SBL Hotels
• Handsworth Hotel
• Mountain of Fire and Miracles Church
• West Syde Exclusive Hotel & Suites
• Kobis Restaurant

The statement highlighted the agency’s commitment to a healthy environment, with General Manager Dr. Tunde Ajayi emphasizing that noise pollution and other environmental violations disrupt the peace and health of communities.

He stated that the action taken demonstrates LASEPA’s zero-tolerance policy and its firm resolve to strictly enforce environmental laws.

“Noise pollution and other environmental violations disrupt the peace and health of our communities. Today’s action demonstrates our zero-tolerance policy towards defaulters and our resolve to enforce environmental laws strictly,” he stated.

Ajayi further stressed the need for compliance with regulations and reaffirmed LASEPA’s dedication to a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos.

The Lagos State government continues enforcing noise pollution and environmental regulations to reduce pollution, uphold standards, and promote a healthier, more sustainable environment for residents.

Recently, nine establishments across Mushin, Amuwo Odofin, and Okota-Isolo, including a bakery, hotel, church, and spa, were sealed for violating regulations. Additional closures occurred in Gbagada, Ogudu, Ojodu, and Agidingbi.

Ile Iyan restaurant in Ikeja GRA was sealed for exceeding noise limits, while Donald Fast Food in Lekki Phase 1 reopened after committing to noise restrictions.

Carizma Hotel in Abule Egba was closed in October 2023 due to repeated noise complaints, and Silk Club and Quilox Club were sealed for excessive noise. These actions align with NESREA’s noise limits of 55 decibels during the day and 45 at night in residential areas.

Establishments in Ikorodu, including bakeries, hotels, bars, and churches, were sealed, while markets like Mile 12, Ladipo, and Oyingbo reopened after meeting environmental standards.

Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized that these actions are vital to public health and sustainability.