Supreme Court quashes arrest warrant against Kelvin Taylor

The Supreme Court has quashed a 2020 arrest warrant issued against controversial online commentator Kelvin Ekow Taylor, citing procedural irregularities.

In a 4-1 majority ruling, the apex court held that due process was not followed and that the warrant violated principles of natural justice, as Taylor had not been offered the right to be heard.

The warrant was initially issued on 16 January 2020 by Justice Eric Kyei Baffour, then sitting as a High Court judge, in the case of Republic v Eugene Baffour Bonnie and Others, following comments Taylor made alleging the judge’s promotion was politically influenced.

Justice Kyei Baffour cited Taylor for contempt, accusing him of scandalising the court and the judiciary, and subsequently ordered his arrest.

Taylor responded by filing an application for certiorari at the Supreme Court to quash the warrant.

In the case titled Republic v High Court (Commercial Division), ex-parte Kelvin Ekow Taylor, with the Attorney General as an interested party, Taylor’s legal team argued the warrant was unlawful and breached the “audi alteram partem” rule (rule of natural justice), as it was issued without prior notice or hearing.

They also maintained the court erred in law by issuing the warrant without a preceding order requiring Taylor to appear and show cause.

The panel was chaired by Justice Issifu Omoro Tanko, with Justices Bright Mensah, Senyo Dzamefe and Simon Suurbaareh forming the majority. Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu dissented.

GNA