channel247 online
The Supreme Court of Ghana has, in a landmark 4-1 majority ruling, quashed a bench warrant that was issued for the arrest of US-based Ghanaian journalist, Kelvin Taylor, by High Court judge Justice Eric Kyei Baffour in January 2020.
The decision, delivered on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, follows years of legal back-and-forth surrounding Taylor’s alleged contempt of court in relation to a criminal trial involving former officials of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC). Justice Kyei Baffour had issued the warrant after Kelvin Taylor was accused of making derogatory and contemptuous remarks against the court during its proceedings.
However, Taylor’s legal team challenged the legitimacy of the warrant, arguing that it was issued without affording their client a fair hearing, and that it constituted an abuse of the court’s discretionary powers.
The Supreme Court agreed with the arguments advanced by Taylor’s lawyers, ruling that the High Court judge exceeded his jurisdiction. The apex court maintained that due process must be respected, and that contempt powers must be exercised within the bounds of the law and constitutional rights.
Speaking after the ruling, lawyers for Kelvin Taylor expressed satisfaction with the outcome, describing it as a victory for justice, free speech, and judicial accountability.
“We are pleased that the Supreme Court has once again demonstrated its independence and commitment to the rule of law,” one of the lawyers stated. “This decision reinforces the principle that no Ghanaian can be condemned without being heard, regardless of how controversial their views may be.
Source:channel247online.com/Prince Kpabitey
Yaw Boagyan
Rafiq Adam
