A motion filed by one Nii Dr Tetteh Kwe II for an order for committal of contempt of court, to be caused against some individuals allegedly associated with the instalment of King Tackie Adama as the Ga Mantse, had been dismissed by an Accra High Court.

These individuals or respondents are Emmanuel Nii Tackie – Yaoboi, Hon Jonathan Komey Tackie Lomoko, Niinani Anyah Tackie-Yaoboi, Henry Ayi Addo, David Tackie Komey Lomoko aka Davis, Nii Auitey Osu aka Jonathan Niii Teiko and Joseph Yaya Addy aka Nii Yaya Addy

The dismissal of the application, was as a result of the court not having the jurisdiction to entertain matters involving chieftaincy.

According to the court, presided over by Justice Constance K. Hometowu, the matter was also not properly before his court, hence dismissed it.

Delivering the ruling on the instant motion filed on June 20, 2020, the High Court judge, said he was convinced that the matter before him, is cause or matter affecting chieftaincy and has to do with the enstoolment and distoolment of chiefs within the Ga paramountcy.

The judge said Nii Dr Tetteh Kwe II alleged wrongful conduct of respondents, as a result of his dissatisfaction or otherwise with the enstoolment or distoolement within the Ga traditional area.

With that, he said the application falls squarely within the definition of cause or matter affecting chieftaincy, as provided in the chieftaincy Act, (Act 759).

Justice Constance K. Hometowu stated that if the case before him is affecting chieftaincy, applicant, Nii D Tetteh Kwe II, is not clothed with the capacity to bring such an action before the court.

“I rule that the matter is not properly before this court and I grant the preliminary legal objection challenging not only the capacity of the applicant to bring this matter before the court but also the jurisdiction of this court to entertain same.

“I declare all other grounds of preliminary objection moot. I dismiss the instant applicant for an order of contempt of court limine.”

Nii D Tetteh Kwe II was awarded GHC3, 000. 00 in favour of each respondents.

By Akutu Dede Adimer