Kwame Asare Obeng, well known by his stage as A Plus, was found guilty of contempt of court along with three other people after debating the merits of a defamation case that was now before the court.
He [A Plus], Felicity Nana Ama Agyeman, alias Nana Ama Mcbrown, Valentina Nana Agyeiwaa, alias Afia Schwarzenegger, and Emmanuel Barnes, alias Mr. Logic, had been sued by Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling NPP.
Along with Fadda Dickson Narh and UTV, the four were present.
In its decision on December 1, 2022, the High Court found all of them guilty and sentenced them to pay GH60,000 in fines. If they fail to do so, they will serve two months in prison.
However, due to her absence from court on Thursday when the matter was called, Afia Schwarzenegger will serve 10 days in jail. A bench warrant was issued by the court for her immediate arrest.
However, the court granted Fadda Dickson Narh, the Executive Producer of the United Showbiz program on UTV, a pardon in its decision since he expressed regret before the issue was presented to court by ordering an apology to be published on UTV.
Reacting to the court ruling on his verified Facebook timeline, A Plus compared a similar contempt of court cases that happened under the erstwhile John Dramani Mahama administration.
He said contemnor under the Mahama administration were made to pay as low as GHC3,000 as a fine but under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his “useless government” a contemnor is paying as high as GHC65,000 – because GHC3,000 under Akufo-Addo can be used to dragon spray and viagra.
A Plus wrote in pidgin, “as they take the money then the white for my eyes inside want turn yellow. Chai!! Immediately then I want write something for Facebook. Wey McBrown say, herh!! Another 65 be that. Gyae!!
“So if they catch the people wey they k!ll Jesus self like they go pay 65 thousand? This judge errrh…. my friend, money before you talk ooo. If e be you like by now your family members dey plan how to sell the cocoa farm to come comot you.”
He added, “Under Mahama, Hopeson Adoye paid 3000 for contempt. Sir John paid 10,000. Sammy Awuku paid 5000.
“Under Akufo Addo and his useless government, there is so much inflation that we were convicted to a fine of 65.000.00 because 3000 can only by dragon spray and viagra.”
“My right to freedom of expression is inalienable. If you can’t stand me just die. Such a ridiculous and shameful judgement!!!” A Plus stressed.