Kevin Taylor
The Supreme Court has quashed a bench warrant issued in 2020 for the arrest of US-based Ghanaian journalist Kevin Taylor.
The warrant was issued by an Accra High Court over alleged contemptuous comments Taylor made against Justice Eric Kyei Baffour.
The controversy began when Taylor circulated a video on Facebook criticizing Justice Kyei Baffour’s handling of a case involving the alleged embezzlement of $4 million from the National Communications Authority (NCA). Taylor accused the judge of bias and alleged that his elevation to the Court of Appeal was a reward for favorable rulings.
In January 2020, Justice Kyei Baffour issued a bench warrant for Taylor’s arrest, citing contempt of court. The judge described Taylor’s comments as scandalous and a direct attack on the judiciary.
The Supreme Court has now ruled that the warrant was unlawful and should not have been issued. The decision brings to an end a five-year legal standoff between Taylor and the High Court.