Ken Agyapong fails to show over post COVID-19 ‘trauma’ – Lawyer

Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong,  failed to show up for his contempt case over what his lawyer describes as “post COVID-19 fears.”

His contempt case which was scheduled for hearing today (Monday) had to be postponed upon the request of his lawyers.

However, the judge has summoned the medical doctor under whose hand the medical request was made to appear before the court on Thursday, October 1, 2020.

Counsel for the MP, Kwame Gyan, told the court presided over by Justice Amos Wuntah Wuni that the defendant has been advised by his doctor to take 14 days rest.

“On the last adjourned date, by mutual agreement between the court and the legal team for the third defendant-respondent applicant. Today was set for the continuation of the proceedings that began earlier this month.

“Our client,  Kennedy Ohene Agyapong suffered from complications from a post-COVID-19 condition that he suffered last month [August]. My Lord, we arrange for him to seek medical support,” Mr Gyan said.

Having heard their plea, Judge Wuni adjourned the case to October 1, 2020, on condition that the doctor who wrote the medical report makes himself available.

“By court, the contemptor is not present in court today, indeed a medical excuse duty form has been attached to a letter under the hand of the learned lead counsel requesting for an adjournment covering 14 days from September 26 to October 10, 2020.

“In the circumstance, the request for adjournment is granted. However, it is hereby ordered that the medical officer, Dr Ken Addo of [the] Holy Trinity Medical Centre/Spa appears before the court on Thursday to speak to the medical excuse duty,” Justice Wuni ordered.

Background

The Assin Central MP was hauled before the Accra High Court for spewing ‘unpalatable’ words against a High court judge.

He has been charged with contempt. A charge he has pleaded not guilty to.

At the last sitting, the lead counsel for the accused person, Kwame Gyan, had expressed concerns about the high court hearing the said contempt case.

He wanted the court to suspend sitting on the case as they had filed a motion at the Supreme Court with the hearing slated for October 13.

The MP’s lawyers were demanding the court halts hearing the case till the Supreme Court rules on the matter.

However, the High Court judge, Amos Wuntah Wuni, disagreed.

“So the court should not do anything when the case is almost a month away. Your client is simply coming here to explain why he said all those scandalous things.

“The court has the right, power and courage to punish anyone who scandalises its name. The law is the law. If you hold a live wire with your bare hands you will be electrocuted,” judge Wuni held.

ALSO READ: Kennedy Agyapong runs to Supreme Court

Sentencing for contempt is largely at the court’s discretion. In the July 2016 case against three NDC activists who insulted and denigrated the chief justice, they were sentenced to four months in prison.

Mr Agyapong’s scandalous

Kennedy Agyapong, a businessman and an NPP financier, has a history of making scandalous comments.

He has shown he is not allergic to defamation suits. He was sued by Ivy Heward-Mills, wife of a late NPP MP.  In the suit filed in January 2019, the widow asked for 50million cedis.

Also, a Lebanese-born Ghanaian businessman, Hassan Zein, who also asked for 100 million cedis after Ken City Media aired a ‘defamatory video’ of him in April 2019.

A retired Chief State Attorney, Ellen C. Kwawukume, also brought a GH¢25 million defamation suit in September 2018.

ALSO READ: Counsel for Agyapong protesting against playing video

In May 2020, a former government appointee, Joseph Yamin, sued controversial NPP MP, Kennedy Agyapong for defamation and has asked for GH¢95 million.

Many of these cases have not been concluded. But in a case that has come closest to completion, the Accra High Court gave veteran journalist, Mr. Kweku Baako, victory in a defamatory suit he filed against Mr Agyapong.

The MP is to pay him 100,000 cedis in damages. But Mr. Agyapong has appealed the judgment and hearing has not been concluded.

Last February, Parliament reprimanded the Assin Central MP after he was found guilty by the Privileges Committee for calling the House cheap and useless.