The Bolgatanga High Court, located in the Upper East Region of Ghana, has taken significant action by citing two residents of the Biu community for contempt of court. Joshua Akuntaba Afaa and Ananga Augustine were found guilty of violating an injunction order that prohibited them from performing final funeral rites and the installation of Joshua Akuntaba Afaa as the chief of the Biu Traditional Area.
This ruling was delivered by His Lordship Justice Pascal Gemadzie, who presided over the case.
The court established that the respondents willfully disregarded the court’s injunction issued on June 20, 2025, which explicitly restrained them from undertaking the final funeral rites for Afaa Akankuba and the enskinment of Joshua Akuntaba Afaa as chief.
The injunction had been secured by the Paramount Chief of the Kologo Traditional Area, Naba Clifford Abagna Asobayire IV, with support from Naba Akantanba Ninga II, highlighting the serious nature of the legal matter at hand.During the proceedings, the court heard evidence that the respondents proceeded with the funeral and enskinment ceremonies despite the clear injunction.
This blatant disregard for the court’s authority was a central focus of the ruling, as it undermines the integrity of the judicial system and poses a threat to community peace.In light of their conviction for contempt, the court faced the challenging decision of what penalties to impose. Recognizing the need to maintain peace within the Biu community, Justice Gemadzie opted not to impose a custodial sentence or a fine.
Instead, the court mandated that both respondents sign a six-month bond of good behavior, which serves as a formal commitment to adhere to the law and respect court orders moving forward.
The legal counsel representing the two convicts made a compelling case for leniency, emphasizing that both individuals are first-time offenders and that their actions were not intended to provoke conflict. Their lawyer argued for a more rehabilitative approach, appealing to the court’s sense of justice and community welfare.Justice Gemadzie, while acknowledging the mitigating circumstances, issued a stern warning.
He cautioned the respondents against interpreting the judgment as a victory for any party involved, emphasizing that the ruling should instead serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding the law and maintaining harmony within the community.
He reiterated that the court’s decision aims to foster peace and cooperation among residents, rather than inciting further division.
The ruling has significant implications for the Biu community, as it highlights the court’s commitment to enforcing legal orders and maintaining public order. It also serves as a reminder to all community members about the importance of respecting judicial authority and the consequences of contemptuous behaviour.
The expectation is that this ruling will contribute to a more peaceful coexistence among the residents of Biu, ensuring that traditional practices are conducted in accordance with the law.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya Adongo.