The Supreme Court has, in a 4–1 majority decision, quashed an arrest warrant issued in 2020 against US-based Ghanaian political commentator Kevin Taylor.
The warrant stemmed from a contempt of court charge initiated by then-High Court judge, Justice Eric Kyei-Baffour, who accused Taylor of scandalising the judiciary over alleged politically motivated promotions tied to the National Communications Authority (NCA) trial.
Taylor had challenged the legality of the warrant, arguing that he was denied a hearing.
The panel that heard the matter on July 22, 2025, was presided over by Justice Imoro Amadu Tanko, with Justices Senyo Dzamefe, Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh, and Philip Bright Mensah concurring in the decision to set aside the warrant. Justice Ernest Gaewu was the sole dissenting voice.
Kevin Taylor, seen leaving the courtroom in high spirits, hailed the decision as a vindication of his right to free expression and due process.
The arrest warrant had been issued after Taylor, known for his outspoken commentary on his online show With All Due Respect, criticised the judiciary and alleged that Justice Kyei-Baffour’s promotion was a reward for acting in favour of the government in the NCA case.
The judge at the time cited Taylor’s remarks as “extremely scandalous” and invoked constitutional powers to cite him for contempt, ordering national security to arrest him despite his residence abroad.
In December 2019, President Nana Akufo‑Addo appointed Justice Eric Kyei‑Baffour to the Court of Appeal, pausing speculation over the timing of the promotion amid the politically charged NCA trial
That case involved top officials accused of misappropriating over $4 million in state funds under the guise of purchasing surveillance equipment. Taylor argued that his commentary was based on public interest and factual reporting.
In his application to the Supreme Court on July 2, 2025, the outspoken Ghanaian-American journalist argued that he was never summoned to appear or allowed to respond to the contempt charges — a claim the majority of the apex court justices appeared to accept.
