The Supreme Court has quashed the contempt conviction of Rev. Dr. James Yamoah, President of the Ghana Christian University College (GCUC), bringing a significant development to a protracted legal dispute involving the Reverend Minister and Josephine Aba Sackey.
In a decisive ruling delivered on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the Supreme Court granted an application for certiorari filed by Rev. Dr. Yamoah against the High Court 2, Adenta, effectively setting aside his conviction for contempt of court.
The decision followed an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal on June 17, 2026, which raised fundamental questions about the propriety of serving court processes on Rev. Dr. Yamoah and the court’s jurisdiction in the contempt proceedings.
COURT OF APPEAL QUESTIONS VALIDITY OF SERVICE
In its June 17, 2026 ruling, the Court of Appeal held that before a person could be convicted for contempt of court, that person must have been personally served with the relevant court processes or served through substituted service authorised by an order of the court.
The case, titled The Republic v. Rev. Dr. James Yamoah, Ex Parte Josephine Aba Sackey, was heard by a three-member panel comprising Justice Emmanuel Ankamah, JA, who presided, Justice S. Obeng-Diawuo, JA, and Justice Emmanuel Senyo Amedahe, JA.
In its determination, the appellate court observed that the injunction application had been served on Rev. Dr. Yamoah through the Registrar without the court’s leave.
The judges considered the service improper and held that, in the circumstances, the court had no jurisdiction over him in respect of the contempt application.
The court’s position underscored the importance of strict compliance with procedural requirements, particularly where contempt proceedings could punish an individual.
Following its determination, the Court of Appeal granted Rev. Dr. Yamoah bail in the sum of GH¢50,000 with one surety.
Supreme Court Delivers Final Blow To Conviction
The legal battle subsequently moved to the Supreme Court, where Rev. Dr. Yamoah challenged the contempt conviction through an application for certiorari.
On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the apex court considered the motion paper, supporting affidavit and accompanying attachments, as well as submissions from counsel representing both parties.
After considering the circumstances of the case, the Supreme Court concluded that the application deserved to be granted.
In its brief ruling, the court stated:
“Having regard to the circumstances of this case, we hereby grant the application for certiorari and proceed to quash the conviction of the Applicant for contempt.”
The decision effectively set aside the contempt conviction imposed on Rev. Dr. Yamoah by the High Court 2, Adenta.
The Supreme Court panel was presided over by Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, with Justices Pwamang, Amaleboba, B. Essah and Forson, all Justices of the Supreme Court, sitting as members.
Counsel For Both Parties
At the Supreme Court, Rev. Dr. Yamoah was represented by Melister Armarteifio, assisted by Christyine Amankwah.
Rita Aseye Glah-Kwashie appeared for Josephine Aba Sackey, the interested party.
The case was heard under the title The Republic v. High Court 2, Adenta; Ex Parte Rev. Dr. James Yamoah, with Josephine Aba Sackey listed as the interested party.
Implications of the Ruling
The two court decisions highlight the importance of procedural fairness, proper service of court processes, and the jurisdiction of courts in contempt proceedings.
The Court of Appeal’s June ruling specifically questioned how the injunction application was served on Rev. Dr. Yamoah, while the Supreme Court later exercised its supervisory jurisdiction to quash his contempt conviction.
The Supreme Court’s October 14 decision marks the latest and decisive judicial development in the contempt case, as the country’s highest court has now quashed the conviction.
It will be recalled that the Adenta High Court on June 11, 2026, sentenced the President of Ghana Christian University College, Rev. Dr James Yamoah, to 14 days’ imprisonment for contempt of court in the case Republic v. Rev. Dr James Yamoah, Ex Parte Josephine Sackey. However, the Supreme Court quashed the case after the Court of Appeal granted him bail.
