The Supreme Court has thrown out an arrest warrant previously issued against social commentator Kelvin Taylor in a 4-1 majority decision.
The Supreme Court panel, which determined the case today, July 22, was presided over by Justice Imoro Amadu Tanko.
The others were: Justice Senyo Dzamefe, Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh, Justice Philip Bright Mensah and Justice Ernest Gaewu (the only judge who dissented).
Kelvin Taylor was spotted in high spirits after the judgment was delivered as he exited the courtroom with his head high in the company of his lawyers.
Mr Taylor, known for his often controversial and outspoken commentary on Ghanaian political and social issues, primarily through his online platform ‘With All Due Respect’, has been a prominent, albeit polarising, figure in public discourse.
The quashed arrest warrant stems from a contempt of court charge initiated against him, notably by Justice Eric Kyei-Baffour of the High Court.
The High Court had issued the warrant for Taylor’s arrest in January 2020, citing “extremely scandalous” and contemptuous statements he allegedly made against the court and the Ghanaian judicial administration.
Justice Kyei-Baffour had specifically accused Taylor of scandalising the court by alleging that his promotion was linked to doing the bidding of the then-government in an ongoing case involving the National Communications Authority.
The judge at the time had stated, “As a judge of impeccable integrity and utmost honesty, I find it necessary to invoke the powers vested in me under the constitution to proceed and cite him for contempt.”
Given Taylor’s domicile outside Ghana, the High Court had directed the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to apprehend him and bring him before the court.
Taylor, who has frequently used his platform to criticise various political figures and institutions, had publicly dared Ghanaian judges following the issuance of the warrant, insisting his comments were based on available facts.
Taylor made an application to the apex court on July 2, 2025, to have the warrant cancelled, citing the failure of the High Court to provide him an opportunity to provide answers for any charges.
He has also been involved in other legal battles, including a defamation suit where he was ordered to pay GHS1 million in damages to Gabby Otchere-Darko in October 2020.
The Supreme Court’s 4-1 decision to set aside the warrant suggests a division among the justices regarding its legality or appropriateness, particularly given the implications for freedom of expression and the procedures for contempt proceedings against individuals outside the court’s immediate physical jurisdiction.
While the full grounds for the apex court’s ruling are yet to be formally released, it is expected to provide clarity on the limits of such warrants and the process for addressing contemptuous remarks by non-resident individuals.
This ruling is likely to reignite debates on media freedom, judicial authority, and the regulation of online commentary in Ghana. It also highlights the complexities of enforcing local legal decisions against individuals operating from foreign jurisdictions.
Below is the full detail of the application by Kevin Taylor.
