By Daniel Bampoe
In a case steeped in legal intrigue, political overtones, and accusations of state manipulation, controversial US-based Ghanaian broadcaster Kevin Taylor has effectively escaped contempt charges after Ghana’s Supreme Court, by a 4-1 majority decision, quashed a 2020 bench warrant issued for his arrest by then-High Court judge, Justice Eric Kyei Baffour.
Kelvin Taylor, known for his unrelenting verbal attacks on Ghanaian public figures—including chiefs, judges, and political leaders—stood accused of contempt following a series of incendiary broadcasts targeting Justice Kyei Baffour after the latter sentenced former NCA Board Chair Eugene Baffoe-Bonnie to six years in jail over the $4 million NCA scandal.
But this legal drama has now taken a sharp turn, with critics alleging that the entire judicial process surrounding the Kevin Taylor case was stage-managed to serve political interests—particularly under the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, having contributed to the victory of the party through vile propaganda.
The Origins of the Warrant
The contempt citation and subsequent bench warrant were originally issued in January 2020 by Justice Kyei Baffour, who had taken exception to Taylor’s personal attacks against him in the aftermath of his ruling in the NCA scandal.
Kevin Taylor, broadcasting from the United States, called the judge’s integrity into question and mounted a campaign many deemed defamatory and inflammatory.
At the time, Taylor’s actions were seen as part of a broader campaign allegedly orchestrated by sympathizers of the convicted Baffoe-Bonnie—who is the junior brother of current Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
A Shift in Power, A Twist in Justice
Following the NDC’s electoral victory in 2024 and the controversial suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo by President John Mahama in early 2025, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was elevated to Acting Chief Justice.
With that move, many in judicial and political circles feared the return of factional control over the Bench.
Kelvin Taylor’s legal team subsequently filed a certiorari application at the Supreme Court—well beyond the standard 90-day appeal period.
Surprisingly, the Attorney-General’s Department failed to oppose the application or even appear in court, raising suspicion among observers and legal analysts.
In a panel presided over by Justice Omoro Issifu Tanko and including Justices Suubaareh, Dzamefe, and Bright Mensah—all of whom were appointed on the recommendation of the current administration—the court ruled that Justice Kyei Baffour had erred by predetermining Taylor’s guilt.
Only Justice Ernest Gaewu dissented, arguing that Kelvin Taylor had abused the courts and deserved to face consequences.
Rationale and Legal Controversy
The Supreme Court cited the precedent set in Republic vrs High Court (Ex Parte Ken Agyapong), where the apex court had earlier ruled that a High Court judge acted improperly by issuing a contempt summons against the MP without first affording him a fair hearing.
Applying similar logic to Taylor’s case, the court held that Justice Kyei Baffour had violated the rule of audi alteram partem—the right to be heard—when he issued the contempt summons and arrest warrant.
Yet critics argue that this reasoning ignores the egregious nature of Kelvin Taylor’s comments, including personal attacks on judicial officers and the Asantehene
. “The court has rewarded impunity,” said one senior legal practitioner who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Abuse of State Power
The fallout from the ruling has been swift. NPP MP, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour claimed on Adom FM that Taylor was secretly flown into Ghana aboard a United Airlines flight and was received at the tarmac by National Security operatives.
He alleged Taylor was then driven through the restricted VVIP Gate 19 at Kotoka International Airport and escorted to the Vice President’s official residence at Cantonments, which remains unoccupied by Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang. Naana Jane currently resides at Tsa Addo, La.
Further allegations came from Paul Adom-Otchere, host of Good Evening Ghana, who accused Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, and National Security Coordinator COP Abdul Razak Osman of facilitating Taylor’s safe passage and movements in Ghana.
“Two National Security vehicles—a Toyota Land Cruiser GE 1660-17 and a Hilux UE 553-23—were placed at Taylor’s disposal with operatives providing 24-hour protection for him.
They ferried him to Cape Coast and other locations while an arrest warrant was still in effect,” Adom-Otchere claimed on his show.
Despite mounting pressure, the government has remained tight-lipped.
The Minister for Defence, Dr. Omane Boamah deflected questions on the issue, stating, “I’m not an Immigration Officer,” a response that has since drawn public ridicule.
Taylor Mocks Critics
In what many view as an open show of defiance, Kelvin Taylor was seen leaving the court in a black V8 SUV after the ruling coving his face with nose mask.
On social media, he mocked his critics and thanked the Vice President—presumably referring to Prof. Opoku-Agyemang—for her support, further fueling suspicions about his alleged state-sponsored protection.
Critics say Taylor’s behavior is emboldened by the apparent collapse of judicial impartiality.
Rule of Law or Rule of Power?
While Taylor may now be legally free, the circumstances surrounding his court victory—and the state’s alleged complicity—have sparked serious concerns about the integrity of the country’s judiciary and executive institutions.
To many, this case is not just about one man’s freedom. It’s a window into how politics, power, and patronage are redefining justice in Ghana.
