{
  "id": 15783747,
  "title": "Yaw Nsarkoh questions judiciary’s use of contempt powers, calls for independent prosecutor",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/yaw-nsarkoh-questions-judiciarys-use-of-contempt-powers-calls-for",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-20T18:21:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/yaw-nsarkoh-questions-judiciarys-use-of-contempt-powers-calls-for-independent-prosecutor/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Unilever executive Yaw Nsarkoh has raised concerns about the judiciary's use of contempt powers, suggesting they should not be employed to hinder constructive criticism of judicial decisions. Speaking at a recent event, Nsarkoh emphasized that judicial authority, like any other power, should be subject to scrutiny and accountability. He questioned the necessity of such powers when judges uphold freedoms, such as freedom of speech, but restrict the consequences of that speech. Nsarkoh argued that power corrupts, including judicial power, and urged the creation of an independent prosecutor at a cabinet level to enhance accountability, particularly regarding senior political figures. He also criticized the independence of Ghana's Attorney-General, who is appointed by the President and serves at their discretion, advocating for a more robust independent prosecutor to safeguard against misuse of power. Additionally, Nsarkoh criticized aggressive behavior within the legal profession and Parliament, questioning the need for hostility in public discourse and suggesting that parliamentary and judicial institutions could engage in more respectful and productive debate.",
  "summary": "Former Executive Vice President of Unilever Ghana and Nigeria, Yaw Nsarkoh, has questioned the judiciary’s use of contempt powers, arguing that the authority should not be used to discourage legitimate scrutiny of judicial decisions. Speaking at a JoyNews and An Amalgam of Professionals event in Accra on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Mr Nsarkoh said judicial authority, like any other form of power,…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Yaw Nsarkoh questions relevance of palanquin tradition, calls for cultural rethinking",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/yaw-nsarkoh-questions-relevance-of-palanquin-tradition-calls-for",
        "published": "2026-10-20T18:05:49.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "Yaw Nsarkoh calls for independent prosecutor, questions use of contempt powers by courts",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/yaw-nsarkoh-calls-for-independent-prosecutor-questions-use-of",
        "published": "2026-10-20T19:19:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}