The Supreme Court, has cautioned and discharged a Lecturer of the University of Ghana, Legon, Professor Micheal Kpessa-Whyte, after convicting him for contempt.
The five member panel of judges of the Court delivered its judgment after Prof. Kpessa-Whyte pleaded guilty for contempt after he was summoned before it over some malicious comments he tweeted against the Apex Court last May 19.
His tweet followed the court’s nullification of James Gyakye Quayson as MP for Assin North.
Lawyer for Prof Kpessa-Whyte, Dr. Justice Srem Sai prayed for mitigation of the sentence after his conviction. He said immediately the matter was brought to the attention of Prof Kpessa-Whyte he wrote an apology addressed to the acting Chief Justice.
The lawyer said Dr Kpessa-Whyte took further steps to publish an apology in the front page of the Ghanaian Times newspaper.
He said Prof Kpessa-Whyte pulled down the tweet and published an apology about three times using the same medium. Dr. Srem Sai prayed for mercy, and clemency in pursuit of justice.
The lawyer promised that the sad and regrettable occurrence will not happen again stressing that his client has resolved to commit to defending the integrity of the court, the judges, and the entire judiciary.
Director of the Ghana School of Law, Yaw Oppong also pleaded for mercy on behalf of Prof. Kpessa-Whyte considering his promise to be an advocate to protect the sanctity of the judiciary.
The Court said the tweet was in bad taste and being an opinion leader with a large following, he must guard his comments. The Court was hopeful that the experience will help shape his conduct going forward.
Dr Kpessa-Whyte expressed gratitude to the court for the leniency.
Related: Dr Kpessa-Whyte to appear before Supreme Court today on contempt charges
