SC quashes Kevin Taylor’s arrest warrant

Landmark decision from Ghana’s highest court

In a significant legal victory for US-based Ghanaian social commentator Kelvin Taylor, the Supreme Court of Ghana has quashed an arrest warrant previously issued against him. In a 4-1 majority ruling delivered on Monday, July 22, 2025, the apex court overturned the High Court’s directive, marking a pivotal moment in an ongoing legal saga with implications for media freedom and judicial authority.

The panel and the verdict

The five-member panel, presided over by Justice Imoro Amadu Tanko, included Justices Senyo Dzamefe, Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh, Philip Bright Mensah, and Ernest Gaewu. Justice Gaewu stood alone in dissent.

The ruling brings to a halt a warrant that had remained active since January 2020, tied to a contempt charge initiated by Justice Eric Kyei-Baffour of the Court of Appeal, sitting then as an additional High Court judge.

Background: The contempt Clcharge

The arrest warrant stemmed from Taylor’s alleged “extremely scandalous” statements directed at the Ghanaian judiciary, and particularly at Justice Kyei-Baffour. Taylor had claimed that the judge’s promotion was linked to serving the interests of the then-government in a high-profile case involving the National Communications Authority (NCA).

Justice Kyei-Baffour described the remarks as defamatory and contemptuous, stating he was compelled by his “impeccable integrity and utmost honesty” to cite Taylor for contempt. The court directed national security agencies to apprehend Taylor, who resided outside Ghana, for prosecution.

Taylor responds and files application

Following the issuance of the warrant, Taylor remained defiant. On his online political show With All Due Respect, he challenged the Ghanaian judiciary, arguing his commentary was based on publicly available facts. He insisted he had been denied the opportunity to respond to the allegations in court.

On July 2, 2025, Taylor filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking to have the warrant nullified on grounds of procedural irregularities and a lack of fair hearing.

Victory and reaction

After today’s ruling, Taylor was seen leaving the courtroom in visibly high spirits, flanked by his legal team. Smiling and holding his head high, he made no immediate comment to the press but appeared relieved by the court’s decision.

This victory marks a rare legal success for Taylor, who has faced several defamation and contempt-related challenges over the years. Notably, in 2020, he was ordered by a Ghanaian court to pay GHS1 million in damages to Gabby Otchere-Darko in a defamation case.

Implications of the ruling

The Supreme Court’s decision reveals a deep judicial consideration of the balance between the enforcement of contempt laws and the rights of individuals to free expression—especially when they reside beyond Ghana’s jurisdiction. The majority decision indicates concern over the procedural fairness of the original arrest order and whether proper legal processes were followed.

Legal experts expect the full written judgment to clarify the boundaries of contempt proceedings, particularly in cases involving digital media commentary from abroad.

Broader debate rekindled

The ruling is expected to reignite national debates around press freedom, judicial accountability, and the scope of Ghana’s legal authority over individuals who engage in online political discourse from outside the country. It also underscores the evolving challenge of regulating speech in a digital age where national boundaries are increasingly blurred.

As the legal and political ramifications unfold, the decision will likely be cited in future cases concerning contempt of court, due process, and the responsibilities of commentators operating in the public domain.