The Court of Appeal has dismissed an application filed by Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral project, seeking to restrain North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa from discussing him in relation to the National Cathedral project. This marks the third legal defeat for Rev. Kusi Boateng, also known as Adu Gyamfi, following two prior unsuccessful suits at the High Court.
The Court of Appeal ruled that the grounds of appeal did not comply with its rules, declaring them “incompetent and inadmissible.” The court awarded Ablakwa 3,000 cedis in costs.
Before this decision, the court had dismissed an objection by Ablakwa’s lawyers concerning the constitution of a new panel. Thaddeus Sory, Ablakwa’s lawyer, argued that the panel reshuffling was unconstitutional and based on speculative reasons, claiming potential bias due to alleged personal connections. However, the court found these allegations unfounded and dismissed the objection.
Background
The legal battle began when Ablakwa raised concerns about impropriety and conflict of interest regarding the National Cathedral project, accusing Rev. Kusi Boateng of possessing multiple identities and engaging in conflict of interest as Secretary to the Board of Trustees. Ablakwa’s petition to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) called for an investigation into these allegations.
Rev. Kusi Boateng responded with a defamation suit and a contempt application against Ablakwa, the latter of which was dismissed by the High Court in May 2023 for inconsistencies and failure to meet legal standards. The High Court also ordered Rev. Kusi Boateng to pay Ablakwa 10,000 cedis in costs.
Despite additional grounds presented by Rev. Kusi Boateng’s lawyers in the latest appeal, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision to dismiss his application, reinforcing Ablakwa’s position in this ongoing legal dispute.
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