Accra — July 22, 2025
In a landmark ruling today, Ghana’s Supreme Court has officially quashed the bench warrant issued in January 2020 against political commentator Kevin Ekow Taylor, clearing the way for his safe return to Ghana.
🏛️ Background
The original warrant was issued by Justice Eric Kyei-Baffour, then sitting as a High Court judge, after accusing Taylor of producing a “scandalous” video allegedly contemptuous of the judiciary—claims which led to Taylor being charged with insulting the judge’s integrity amid a high-profile corruption case.
Taylor, based in the United States, immediately challenged the warrant, arguing that:
- He was never served a summons or given notice of any court hearing;
- He was denied natural justice, lacking the opportunity to respond before the warrant was issued;
- The warrant was also issued under a name incorrectly spelled (“Kelvin” instead of Kevin).
✅ Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court agreed, finding that:
- The warrant violated Taylor’s constitutional right to due process, which mandates proper notice and a fair hearing before arresting anyone;
- The legal basis for arresting someone for contempt without first hearing them was invalid under Ghana’s laws.
As a result, the Court nullified the bench warrant, citing procedural irregularities and a breach of natural justice.
🌍 Implications
- With the warrant now voided, Taylor can legally return to Ghana without fear of arrest.
- The ruling sets a precedent in contempt proceedings, reaffirming that courts must respect due-process rights—especially for media figures and critics .
- It marks a victory for freedom of expression, emphasizing the importance of balancing judicial authority with fair legal practice.
Taylor’s legal team expressed relief and said they will explore further actions to clear his name entirely.
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