REPUBLIC V. ANUM HAMMOND

 DECISION 

APPLICATION FOR COMMITTAL FOR CONTEMPT 

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 a binding injunction order of the  court, thereby bringing the administration of justice into disrepute. 

[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 Criminal  Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and Articles 19(12) and 126 of the 1992 Republican Constitution of  Ghana.  

[4]…