THE REPUBLIC V. KELVIN OFORI-ATTA EX PARTE: NII ASHONG SOWAH-DIN

JUDGMENT

APPLICATION FOR COMMITTAL FOR CONTEMPT

i. Introduction:

[1] The Applicant has brought this application on his own behalf and on behalf as the Head of Tsie-We Family of Teshie against the Respondent to vindicate the law and its sanctions. He accuses the Respondent of breaking the law by disrespecting a judgment of the court, thereby bringing the administration of justice into disrepute.

[2] The Black’s Law Dictionary, the 8^th 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 (7^th 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…