Contempt application against Director of BNI

Accra, Sept 3, GNA - The state has initiated processes at the court so that a contempt application filed against the Director of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) and two other officials be heard in chambers.

The BNI Director, Mr Yaw Donkor, Mr Yaw Abrokwa and Ms Josephine Gandayiri were hauled to court for contempt following an application filed by Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, former Information Minister, and his wife, Jennifer Zuleika Lawria, for preventing them from travelling outside the country.

Before the Human Rights Court, Mrs. Helen Kwawukume of the Attorney General's Department informed the court that they had filed processes at the court's registry this morning. The case was therefore stood down for some minutes.

Mr Peter Okudzeto who represented Mr and Mrs. Asamoah Boateng, together with Mrs. Kwawukume proceeded to the judges chambers.

On their return, the matter was adjourned to September 15.

Hearing would however be conducted in chambers in accordance with the High Court rules which give the court powers for some matters to be heard in chambers, especially when the issue borders on national security.

Mr and Mrs. Asamoah and their two children, in their bid to travel outside the country, the second time, were prevented not withstanding an injunction restraining the BNI from preventing them from doing so. The three officials were therefore cited for contempt.

At the last sitting, Mr Eli Agbemava, a State Attorney, said the three officials had not been personally served and questioned who the bailiff served at the Offices of the BNI.

Mr Agbemava said a second attempt should be made to serve the BNI officials so they could appear in court.

When sitting resumed, Mr John Dogba, Deputy Director of BNI, represented Mr Donkor and apologized for the latter's absence. Mr Dogba told the court that Josephine and Stephen were out of the court jurisdiction.