In a dramatic twist, the High Court in Accra has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the Director General (DG) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police and the DG of the Legal and Prosecution Unit of the Ghana Police Service. Their failure to appear in court for contempt proceedings led to this warrant.
As reported by starrfm.com.gh, the court’s decision was prompted by an application from Sureword Global Outreach, demanding the release of a vehicle with registration number GN2925-20. Despite multiple court orders, the respondents allegedly defied the directives.
During the court session on Monday, April 15, 2024, Counsel for the Application, Abraham Arthur, sought committal for Contempt against the CID boss and the DG of the Legal and Prosecution Unit for their failure to comply with the court’s orders. Despite specific instructions for their appearance, they did not attend the proceedings.
In response, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, the presiding judge, expressed disappointment at the respondents’ disregard for the court’s orders despite ample opportunities given to them. She emphasized the equality before the law in Ghana, leading to the bench warrant for their arrest.
Justice Marfo pointed out that evidence showed the court’s orders had been served on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), yet the respondents failed to comply. She reiterated that the court had shown patience but had to enforce the law eventually.
This development comes after several warnings from the court. On March 19, 2024, the court had instructed the Inspector General of Police to ensure the respondents’ appearance, warning that failure to comply could result in a bench warrant. Despite this, the respondents allegedly continued to disregard the court’s directives.
The background of the case reveals that Sureword Global Outreach had filed a motion at the Achimota District Court for the release of their impounded vehicle, which was granted on January 29, 2024. However, the respondents allegedly refused to adhere to the court’s order, leading Sureword Global Outreach to initiate contempt proceedings.
