Rev Kusi Boateng slapped with GHS10k cost after contempt case dismissed by court
Accra High Court dismisses contempt case against MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa filed by Rev Victor Kusi Boateng, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral of Ghana, and awards GHS10,000 cost against him. The court ruled that the evidence presented by Rev Kusi Boateng was inconsistent and doubtful and failed to meet the legal standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Following the dismissal of the case on Tuesday, May 2, Mr Ablakwa stated that the decision “gives us the verve, it gives impetus, it gives us more drive, more inspiration to keep doing what is right in the national interest. Nothing is going to stop us now. We are no longer going to be distracted by all of these shenanigans, the abuse of the judicial process.”
The case arose when Rev Kusi Boateng filed a motion requesting the court to imprison Mr Ablakwa for his conduct after the opposition lawmaker kicked a writ meant to be served on him by a court bailiff on Friday, February 3. The writ was to prevent the lawmaker from further discussing Rev Kusi Boateng’s case of double identity, which was before the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). The motion was also intended to draw the court’s attention to a possible contempt case against Mr Ablakwa.
The MP had claimed he was on his way to Parliament when the bailiff approached him at the forecourt of Accra-based Metro TV to be served the writ. However, Rev Kusi Boateng argued that the MP’s claim was false since Parliament was in recess at the time, and the immunity available to members of Parliament from being served with court processes can only be invoked when that member of Parliament is on their way to or from parliamentary proceedings or activities.
After the MP kicked the documents on the floor and drove off, Rev Kusi Boateng prayed that the court would commit him to prison for his conduct, stating that it had the power to do so to protect the whole administration of justice and serve as a deterrent to others.
With the case now dismissed, Mr Ablakwa has expressed his satisfaction with the judge’s decision, saying it clears the way for him to focus on the work he is doing for God and country.
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
