Lawyers for Ablakwa object to new panel in contempt case brought by Rev. Kusi Boateng

The Lawyers for North Tongu Member of Parliament (MP), Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, have objected to a newly constituted panel hearing a contempt case brought by Reverend Kusi Boateng, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral.

The Court of Appeal was expected to deliver a ruling on a defamation suit filed by Rev. Kusi Boateng aimed at restraining the MP from discussing him in relation to the National Cathedral issue.

This marks Rev. Kusi Boateng's third attempt, following two previous failures, to restrain the MP.

When the panel convened, Thaddeus Sory, lead counsel for Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, objected to the newly constituted panel, arguing it was unconstitutional and would undermine a fair hearing.

Mr Sory, given 10 minutes to support his objection with legal arguments, noted that the original panel included Justice Dzemefe and Justice Senyo, both of whom were absent from the new panel sitting on Tuesday, June 25.

Mr Sory pointed out that Justice Dzemefe had previously assured his return after sitting on a different panel earlier that day.

When the new panel sat without him, Sory raised his objection, stating, "What we are objecting to became apparent to us when the case was called."

According to Sory, once the Chief Justice constitutes a panel, that panel must see through the matter it was constituted for without being shuffled.

He also alleged that the high court judge who dismissed Rev. Kusi Boateng's contempt application had since been transferred from Accra to Sunyani and then to Bolga, implying potential undue influence by the plaintiff, who allegedly has connections within the church.

This claim prompted a swift interjection from a panel member, who described Sory's allegation as "speculative innuendo." Rev. Kusi Boateng's lawyer, Bobby Banson, also refuted the claim, describing it as false, hearsay, and not grounded in law.

The panel, after conferring, set Wednesday, June 26, to deliver a ruling on the objection. The outcome will determine whether the court will proceed to hear Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa's application to strike out Rev. Kusi Boateng's application or if the original panel will be reinstated.

-Classfmonline