REPUBLIC V. AKWASI MENSAH EXPARTE JIBRIL MENSAH

DECISION 

APPLICATION FOR COMMITTAL FOR CONTEMPT 

i. Introduction: 

[1] The Applicant has brought this application to vindicate the law and its sanctions. He accuses the Respondent of breaking the law by disrespecting an application for injunction order  served on him and thereby bringing the administration of justice into disrepute by demolishing the  Applicant’s structures on the land, the subject matter of the dispute between them.

[2] Black’s Law Dictionary 8th Edition defines contempt as “conduct that defies the authority  or dignity of a Court or legislature. Because such conduct interferes with the administration of  justice, it is punishable, usually by fine or imprisonment.” The Oxford Advanced Learner’s  Dictionary of Current English by A.S. Hornby (7th Edition) also defines contempt of court as “the  crime of refusing to obey an order made by a court; not showing respect for a court or judge.” 

[3] The power of the High Court to punish for contempt is provided in S.10 of the …