Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, has expressed frustration despite winning an appeal against Rev. Kusi Boateng. The Court of Appeal overturned a High Court decision that dismissed a contempt suit filed by Boateng, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral of Ghana.
On June 26, 2024, Ablakwa shared his concerns on Facebook, calling the ongoing legal battles “judicial harassment.” He believes these actions hinder his parliamentary duties and efforts to safeguard public resources.
Ablakwa stated, “This judicial harassment is affecting my work to protect the public purse and state assets, and deepen Ghana’s democracy.” He emphasized that while he attended all court sessions, Boateng did not, without facing any reprimand.
“We secured another legal victory at the Appeal Court,” Ablakwa said. The court deemed Boateng’s grounds incompetent, awarding GHS3,000 in costs against him. Despite this win, Ablakwa reflected on the state of the country, questioning why an MP performing his constitutional duties faces relentless legal challenges.
The MP criticized Boateng’s absence from court, highlighting his double identity, which a High Court Judge had previously described as criminal conduct. Ablakwa warned that such judicial harassment could deter other parliamentarians from fulfilling their oversight responsibilities.
“How does this episode encourage more MPs to pursue diligent and fearless parliamentary oversight?” Ablakwa asked. He vowed to continue his work despite the frustrations and unfair harassment.
The Court of Appeal’s ruling came after Boateng sought to overturn the High Court’s dismissal of his contempt suit against Ablakwa. According to myjoyonline.com, the Appeals Court panel ruled that Boateng’s appeal did not comply with court rules. The judges found the grounds of appeal incompetent and inadmissible, dismissing it and fining Boateng GHS3,000.
This marks the third dismissal of Boateng’s contempt suit against Ablakwa. Initially, Boateng filed a suit at the Human Rights Court to prevent Ablakwa from discussing him in relation to the National Cathedral project. The court dismissed it. Boateng then took the case to the High Court, facing another defeat.
Boateng, also known as Kwabena Adu Gyamfi, has repeatedly failed in his legal attempts against Ablakwa. The MP remains resolute, despite the ongoing legal battles, in his commitment to his parliamentary duties and oversight responsibilities.
Ablakwa’s continued legal victories underscore his determination to uphold his constitutional mandate, even in the face of persistent judicial challenges. His commitment to protecting public resources and ensuring democratic accountability remains steadfast.
Source: Ghana Web
