In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of Ghana has unanimously overturned the Court of Appeal's decision dated June 12, 2024, which sought to reinstate Nii Adama Latse II as the Ga Mantse. This decision reaffirms King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II's position as the recognized Ga Mantse, marking a significant development in the protracted chieftaincy dispute.
Presided over by Justice Gabriel Pwamang, the Supreme Court held that the earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal violated King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II’s right to natural justice. The apex court's decision effectively nullifies the orders of the Court of Appeal, restoring the status quo and paving the way for further legal proceedings.
The case reached the Supreme Court following an application for Certiorari filed by lawyers representing King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II. The application challenged the decision of the Court of Appeal, which had ruled that Nii Adama Latse II’s removal from the national register of chiefs was unlawful due to the absence of evidence supporting his valid destoolment. Lawyers for Nii Adama Latse II opposed the Certiorari application, but their arguments were ultimately unsuccessful.
The Supreme Court’s ruling not only sets aside the Court of Appeal’s orders but also quashes an earlier decision by the Kumasi High Court dated November 11, 2021. This layered legal battle underscores the complexity and sensitivity surrounding traditional leadership disputes in Ghana.
EIB Network’s Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah, reported extensively on the proceedings, noting that King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II appeared in court accompanied by a heavy entourage. The panel of justices presiding over the case included Justice Ernest Gaewu, Justice Richard Adjei Frimpong, Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh, and Justice Philip Bright Mesnah, alongside Justice Gabriel Pwamang.
The Supreme Court's decision carries significant implications for the Ga State and its traditional leadership. By reaffirming King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II's position as Ga Mantse, the ruling provides a temporary resolution to a contentious issue that has seen multiple legal twists and turns. However, with further legal proceedings likely on the horizon, the matter may not yet be fully settled.
This ruling highlights the critical role of Ghana’s judiciary in adjudicating chieftaincy disputes and ensuring that principles of natural justice are upheld. As stakeholders await potential next steps, the Supreme Court’s decision serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between tradition and law in Ghana’s governance framework.
For now, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II remains the recognized Ga Mantse, as legal deliberations continue to shape the future of leadership within the Ga State.
