We’re not stopping your contempt case – Court tells Ken Agyapong

The Accra High Court has given the NPP Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, another grace period over his alleged contemptuous comments in which he described the judge as “stupid”.

At today’s hearing, Justice Amos Wuntah Wuni adjourned the case to Friday, September 25, 2020, to allow lawyers for the MP to present legal arguments on why the court should stay proceedings until the Supreme Court rules on a judicial review application in relation to the case.

Lead Counsel for the MP, Mr Kwame Gyan, argued that the court must halt the case until the Supreme Court determines whether or not the High Court, presided over by Justice Wuni had jurisdiction over the matter.

Justice Wuni had earlier ruled that he was minded to continue with the case but gave the lawyers the opportunity to present legal arguments on Friday.

Supreme Court

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Assin Central, has asked the Supreme Court to stop contempt proceedings against him by the Accra High Court.

Lawyers for the MP filed a judicial review application at the apex court Thursday, barely 24 hours after he was supposed to appear before the High Court and explain why he should not be punished for allegedly describing the judge as “stupid”.

The MP wants the Supreme Court to prohibit the High Court from hearing the contempt case and also quash the order of summons for him to appear before the court on the basis that the particular court (Land Court 12) that summoned him had no jurisdiction to do so.

Background

Mr Agyapong’s alleged comments were made in connection with a land matter in which Susan Bandoh and Christopher Akuetteh Kotei had sued him (Kennedy Agyapong), Ibrahim Jaja, Nana Yaw Duodu aka Sledge and the Inspector General of Police.

While the case was still at the Land Division of the High Court (Land Court 12), the MP allegedly scandalised the court on a programme aired on NET2 TV and Oman FM on September 2, this year.

A court order signed on September 9, by Justice Wuni said, “I hereby summon the said Kennedy Ohene Agyapong per a warrant issued under my hand and seal to appear before the High Court (Land Court 12) on Monday, September 14, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. to show cause why he should not be severely punished for contempt if the matters are proven against him to the satisfaction of the court.”