The Jospong Group of Companies has reacted to news of a bench warrant issued for the arrest of its CEO, stating that firm steps are being taken to resolve the legal problem.

A High Court in Kumasi issued the warrant for the arrest of Joseph Siaw Agyepong for contempt charges in a matter involving one of the subsidiaries of the Group, JA Plantpool.

 In a statement issued in Accra on Thursday, the Communications Directorate of Jospong Group of Companies suggests that Mr Siaw Agyepong's absence from court triggered the issuance of the arrest warrant.

"The absence of Dr. Agyepong from court on the date of the hearing was not deliberate, the reason being that Dr. Agyepong had no notice of the proceedings,” the statement sought to clarify.

The statement adds that “the JOSPONG Group of companies further state that Dr Agyepong holds in the highest regard, the judiciary which is entrusted with the constitutional mandate of protecting the rights of every citizen of the Republic of Ghana.”

Read the full statement below.

ACCRA; February 15, 2018: The attention of the Jospong Group of Companies has been drawn to media publications that a bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of Dr. Agyepong for allegedly refusing to appear before a Kumasi High Court.

The JOSPONG Group of companies hereby assures all Ghanaians that their Executive Chairman; Dr Agyepong is a law abiding citizen who has the highest level of respect for all persons and institutions of government.

The JOSPONG Group of companies further state that Dr. Agyepong holds in the highest regard, the judiciary which is entrusted with the constitutional mandate of protecting the rights of every citizen of the Republic of Ghana.

The absence of Dr. Agyepong from court on the date of the hearing was not deliberate, the reason being that Dr. Agyepong had no notice of the proceedings. The Executive Chairman of the JOSPONG Group of Companies has accordingly instructed his lawyers to vehemently contest the proceedings which, upon the advice of his lawyers have been instituted in bad faith and deliberately being given publicity only for purposes of mischief and to cause public disaffection for Dr. Agyepong.

We therefore hereby implore the public to disregard the erroneous impression that the publication sought to portray to the effect that the Executive Chairman deliberately refused to appear before the Honourable Court.

As a responsible citizen of the Ghana, the Executive Chairman will always avail himself for any exercise aimed at entrenching the rule of law in this nation.

We believe this is one of the numerous attempts by some people to maliciously tarnish the image of the Executive Chairman and the public should therefore reject it with the disdain it deserves.

Communications Directorate

Jospong Group of Companies