In a recent development, University of Ghana lecturer and National Democratic Congress (NDC) member, Prof. Michael Kpessa-Whyte, has issued a formal apology and retraction for a tweet he posted on May 19, 2023.
The tweet in question shared his reflections on insights from a book by David A. Kaplan titled “The Most Dangerous Branch: Inside the Supreme Court's Assault on the Constitution,” and referenced recent attempts by some Democrats in the United States to increase the number of Justices at the Supreme Court.
Prof. Kpessa-Whyte expressed his observation that various media publications, including Ghanaweb, associated his tweet with the Supreme Court's decision in the Assin North matter, as mentioned in the Summons to show cause. However, he clarified that at the time of his tweet at 9:59 am, he had no knowledge of the Supreme Court's decision.
The tweet has led to the Supreme Court summoning Prof. Kpessa-Whyte to appear and explain why he should not be cited for contempt. The court asserts that the tweet scandalized the apex court and brought its dignity into disrepute.
Prof. Kpessa-Whyte emphasized that his tweet was not intended to scandalize or denigrate the revered institution of the Supreme Court of Ghana, to which he holds great respect and admiration. He acknowledged that while he did not intend such consequences, he accepts responsibility for exercising better judgment in his choice of words.
In his statement, Prof. Kpessa-Whyte offered an unreserved apology for any pain and discomfort his tweets may have caused the Chief Justice, the Supreme Court, and the entire judiciary. He further retracted the tweet in question, assuring that it has been completely deleted.
The lecturer concludes his statement by expressing his prayer for forgiveness.
