Police Officer Detained For Yelling At Chief Justice During Proceedings

An Assistant Superintendent of Police, Akolgo Yakubu Ayamga, was detained by the Supreme Court for contempt during court proceedings.

On Tuesday, November 14, 2023, Mr Ayamga, also a practising lawyer, shouted at the Supreme Court bench, particularly the Chief Justice, following the dismissal of his application and imposition of a GH¢10,000 cost against his side.

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo deemed his outburst contemptuous and immediately ordered his removal from the courtroom.

He was then escorted to a detention room to await his trial.

Despite the efforts of other senior lawyers, such as Addo Attuah, who pleaded for clemency for him, the Chief Justice did not barge, citing his previous misconduct at the Takoradi High Court.

Justice Torkonoo said Mr Ayamga’s behaviour as a lawyer in the courtroom was becoming alarming, and there was a need to instil professionalism.

Lawyer Addo Attuaho, a retired police officer, continued to plead and urged leniency for his learned colleague and junior at the bar, emphasizing Mr Ayamga’s inexperience with legal ethics.

In a report by The Law Platform, after considering the pleas for mercy, the Chief Justice discharged Mr Ayamga and cautioned him against repeating such behaviour.

Justice Gabriel Pwamang also advised Mr Ayamga against such behaviour as aggression does not help the court.