There was drama and light heart moment humour during Thursday’s hearing of the former Attorney General’s contempt case at the Supreme Court.
Dominic Ayine who is a leading member of the legal team of the petitioner in the ongoing 2020 election petition, was dragged before the justices of the apex court over an allegation that the justices of the apex court had a "predetermined agenda" to rule against the 2020 NDC presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama.
The Supreme Court during its last sitting, scheduled a hearing on Thursday to determine Dominic Ayine’s fate; whether to slap him with punitive sanctions or pardon him after he had complied with an earlier directive by the Justices to publicly retract and apologize to the court.
In a surprise turn of events, the lead counsel for the 1st Respondent in the ongoing election petition hearing, Justin Amenuvor made an appearance in court.
Wondering why he was present at Ayine’s contempt trial, one of the 7-panel judges interrogated him asking: “Mr Amenuvor did you come to support your roommate?”, as he is not a lawyer on record for the contempt case against Dr Ayine, the contemnor.
“Yes my Lord, I came to support my roommate, best man and my best friend. I am not appearing as a counsel but as a friend and the best man for Dominic Ayine at his wedding,” Mr Amenuvor answered, causing an outburst of laughter in court.
The Lawyer for the Electoral Commission (EC) further took the apex court down memory lane to when they were in school revealing that, “He was the commonwealth secretary in our year, he is a very good friend of mine, and we go way back.”
The good relationship existing between the two, according to him was the reason for his appearance in court - to support his good friend.
Delivering the verdict Thursday, The Supreme Court struck out the contempt charge against former Deputy Attorney General, Dr Dominic Ayine.
Chief Justice Anin Yeboah said Dr Ayine was being discharged because he adhered to the orders of the court.
Lawyer for the contemnor, Frank Dekyem thanked the court for the mercy shown his client, promising that Dr Ayine “will go and sin no more”.
Justice Amenuvor also thanked the court for striking out the charges against the friend.
Latest Stories
-
NDC’s running-mate speech proves readiness to lead – Asah-Asante
3 mins -
Further win for nibima as another KNUST study supports medicinal prowess
5 mins -
World Bank’s food price index eases; maize, wheat prices hit 3-year low
2 hours -
2020 polls all about pulling Ghana back from precipice of destruction, corruption – Naana Jane
2 hours -
Guru expresses interest in contesting SRC election at UG
2 hours -
Oil prices projected to average $84 in 2024 – World Bank
2 hours -
Meet 2 Ghanaian entrepreneurs on a mission to connect 1m African professionals to global companies by 2034
2 hours -
NCA approves Starlink’s satellite broadband application
2 hours -
Government orders FGR to revamp mining operations; assures workers of commitment to their welfare
3 hours -
Arne Slot philosophy could suit Liverpool – Van Dijk
3 hours -
EC replies Mahama: You also appointed someone who was tagged NDC
3 hours -
See colourful outdoor of Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang as NDC’s running mate
3 hours -
Akufo-Addo commissions 15MWP Kaleo Solar Power Plant
3 hours -
GCB Bank PLC leads African financial integration, hosts ZICB delegation
4 hours -
Empowering Girls in ICT: FAWE Ghana advocates for gender equality in the Tech sector
5 hours