ADJEI-AMPOFO(NO2) vs. ACCRA METROPOLITAN ASSEIMBLY & ATTORNEY-GENERAL (NO2)

The plaintiff, Nana Adjei-Ampofo, a legal practitioner, instituted a public-interest constitutional action to enforce articles 15(1) and 15(2) of the 1992 Constitution concerning respect for human dignity, challenging the continued use of pan latrines and the carrying of human waste in pans within the Accra Metropolitan Area. The ruling records that the plaintiff and the first defendant later settled the matter and filed terms of settlement in the Supreme Court. Portion indicated in the ruling: “The plaintiff and the first defendant, having settled the matter herein aimed at enforcement of article 15(1) and (2) of the 1992 Constitution relating to respect for human dignity…” The editorial note further identifies the plaintiff as having instituted the action “in the interest of the general public.”

RULING SOPHIA AKUFFO JSC delivered the following consequential orders pursuant to the terms of settlement of the plaintiffs suit filed by both the plaintiff and the first defendant as previously ordered by the court. The plaintiff and the first defendant, having settled the matter herein (aimed at enforcement of article 15(1) and (2) of the 1992 Constitution relating to respect for human dignity) upon the terms set out in the terms of settlement filed in this court on 9 July 2008, it is hereby ordered that: (a) the first defendant shall phase out the use of pan latrines in the Accra Metropolitan Area within five years maximum from 8 July 2005; (b) towards this end, the first defendant shall cause sufficient publicity to be mounted throughout the Accra Metropolis to prepare all citizens accordingly, of the abolition of the construction of pan latrines, with effect from 8 July 2008, and the discontinuance of the use of all pan latrines within five years from 8 July 2008; (c) the ...