The Supreme Court has nullified an arrest warrant previously issued against outspoken social commentator Kevin Taylor, declaring the warrant “unlawful” in a significant 4–1 majority decision.
Kevin Taylor is known for his sharp and often incendiary criticism of Ghanaian political figures and institutions. Based primarily in the United States, he commands a large online following but has also drawn frequent criticism for his unfiltered style and confrontational tone.
The warrant, issued in January 2020 by the High Court, stemmed from a contempt of court charge following Taylor’s allegedly scandalous remarks directed at Justice Eric Kyei Baffour.
Presiding over the panel was Justice Imoro Amadu Tanko, joined by Justices Senyo Dzamefe, Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh, and Philip Bright Mensah, all of whom voted to quash the warrant. The sole dissenting opinion came from Justice Ernest Gaewu.
Background to the Case
The controversy traces back to Kevin Taylor’s public commentary on a case involving the National Communications Authority (NCA), presided over by Justice Kyei Baffour. In a segment on his online platform, With All Due Respect, Taylor criticized the judge, alleging that his elevation within the judiciary was politically motivated and linked to judgments favorable to the then-ruling government.
Justice Kyei Baffour took exception to these remarks, describing them as “extremely scandalous” and “a direct attack on the integrity of the judiciary.” The High Court subsequently issued a warrant for Taylor’s arrest, citing contempt of court.
“At a time when judicial independence must be protected, I find it necessary to invoke my constitutional powers to cite him for contempt,” the judge had declared.
Supreme Court’s Ruling
However, in overturning the warrant, the apex court claims that the circumstances under which the contempt proceedings were initiated failed to meet the legal threshold required for such action.
