Ga Mantse Contempt Case Begins

Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Tawiah, III

Hearing has begun at an Accra Fast Track High Court of a contempt case by King Tackie Tawiah III against his main contender, Nii Adama Latsa in the Ga Chieftancy dispute, and six chiefs and elders of the Ga Stool, for allegedly disobeying the decision of the Judicial Committee of the Greater Accra House of Chiefs.

King Tackie Tawiah III, who believes that he was recognised by the House of Chiefs as the legitimate King of the Ga Stool, wants the court to cite the respondents, Nii Adama Latse, recently enstooled as the Ga Mantse, Nii Yaote Otoga, Yaya Addey, Sakumo Wolomo, Nii Armakai, David Tackie Commey and the Gbese Mantse for refusing to recognise him as such.

At the court presided over by Justice Peter Dei-Ofei, counsel for the applicant, Ayikoi Otoo, moved the motion, saying the respondents should be cited for contempt because they had clearly breached the House of Chief verdict.

His application was based on the fact that while the Ga chieftaincy case was still before the Greater Accra House of Chiefs, an interlocutory was sought to stop the Ga Mantse aka Jo Blankson from holding himself out as the chief of the Ga state till the final determination of the Chieftaincy dispute, but the House of Chiefs refused to do so.

Mr. Otoo was of the opinion that their refusal to stop his client meant they recognised him as the legitimate ruler of the Ga state and any attempt by any persons to recognise any person as the Ga King had gone  contrary to the verdict of the House of Chiefs.

Dr. Josiah Aryee, counsel for the respondents, was of the opinion that the refusal of the House of Chiefs to stop King Tawiah did not mean the house had recognised him.

He believes they cannot be found guilty of the alleged offence.

Kwaku Ansah Asare was counsel for the Gbese Mantse.

The case has been adjourned to July 27, 2011 for counsel of chiefs and elders to respond to the motion.

By Fidelia Achama