Kumasi, Ghana — By: Evans Osei-Bonsu
The Supreme Court has quashed the 2020 arrest warrant issued against outspoken Ghanaian broadcaster Kevin Ekow Taylor by then High Court Judge, Justice Eric Kyei Baffour, ruling that the warrant violated Taylor’s fundamental right to a fair hearing.
In a majority decision, the apex court held that the High Court erred by issuing the bench warrant without first giving Taylor notice of the proceedings or the opportunity to be heard. The court emphasized that the issuance of a warrant in such circumstances was in breach of both constitutional principles and Ghana’s Criminal Procedure Code.
The original warrant, issued on January 16, 2020, stemmed from Taylor’s alleged derogatory remarks against the Judiciary. Justice Kyei Baffour, who presided over a criminal trial involving former COCOBOD boss Dr. Stephen Opuni at the time, ordered that Taylor be arrested and brought before the court to explain why he should not be imprisoned for contempt. The judge’s ruling made headlines after he declared that the warrant would remain in effect until Taylor “is found or ceases to exist on planet Earth” which drew sharp condemnation, including from Taylor, who told the court, “You’re not God”
However, the Supreme Court found today that Taylor was never formally served or notified of the proceedings, making the warrant procedurally unjust. The court reiterated that no matter the seriousness of a contempt allegation, the accused must be given the opportunity to respond before punitive measures such as arrest warrants are issued.
Notably, the decision was not unanimous. One of the five Justices dissented, arguing that the trial judge acted within his authority to protect the dignity of the court and that the extraordinary nature of Taylor’s comments justified swift judicial response.
This ruling not only clears the warrant against Taylor but also reinforces a critical precedent as legal observers say it is expected to influence how lower courts handle future contempt proceedings and the issuance of bench warrants, especially against individuals not present before the court.
The social commentator, Kevin Ekow Taylor was present in court when the decision was delivered.
