An Accra High Court has condemned the conduct of Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament (MP) for Nsawam Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, labelling it as “reprehensible.” The court deemed such behaviour deserving of a custodial sentence rather than just a caution.
The MP was cited for contempt after it was brought to the attention of the High Court (Land Court 1) that he disrupted a Court Bailiff and police officers while they were carrying out an execution order on disputed lands.
Justice Abena Oppong Adjin-Doku, who presided over the case, highlighted the seriousness of the offence during the sentencing but decided to spare the legislator a custodial sentence. On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, the court imposed a fine of 600 penalty units, equivalent to GHC7200, for contempt.
In her ruling, Justice Abena A. Oppong emphasized the responsibilities that come with the respondent’s status.
“I take into consideration the status of the respondent as mentioned by his own lawyer. The respondent is not an ordinary citizen of the land who is not expected to know the law. Being a Member of Parliament and a Chief Whip for that matter, the respondent is expected to lead by example. The conduct of the respondent is indeed reprehensible and ought not to be rewarded by just a caution.”
“Indeed, it is a conduct deserving of a custodial sentence, but the court would spare him a custodial sentence in light of the settlement he has reached with the applicant and the good faith he has shown after his reprehensible conduct. The court sentences the respondent to a fine of Six Hundred (600) penalty units. In default of the fine, the respondent is to serve a custodial sentence of 30 days,” the Court ruled.
In default of the fine, Mr Annoh Dompreh is to serve a custodial sentence of 30 days.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
