Tensions rose in the courtroom as lawyers representing North Tongu Member of Parliament (MP) Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa objected to a newly constituted panel hearing a contempt case brought by Reverend Kusi Boateng, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral.

The Court of Appeal was set to deliver a ruling on a defamation suit filed by Rev. Kusi Boateng, aiming to restrain the MP from discussing him in relation to the National Cathedral issue. This marked Rev. Kusi Boateng's third attempt to restrain the MP, following two previous failures.

However, when the panel convened, Thaddeus Sory, lead counsel for Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, raised objections to the newly constituted panel, arguing that it was unconstitutional and would undermine a fair hearing.

Sory pointed out that the original panel included two justices who were absent from the new panel sitting on Tuesday, June 25. He emphasized that Justice Dzemefe had assured his return after sitting on a different panel earlier that day but was absent when the new panel convened.

The objection led to a heated exchange, with Sory alleging potential undue influence on the case due to the transfer of the high court judge who dismissed Rev. Kusi Boateng's contempt application. However, this claim was refuted by a panel member and Rev. Kusi Boateng's lawyer, Bobby Banson.

The panel, after conferring, scheduled Wednesday, June 26, to deliver a ruling on the objection. The outcome will determine whether the court will proceed to hear Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa's application to strike out Rev. Kusi Boateng's application or if the original panel will be reinstated.