The Achimota District Court, presided over by His Worship Prince Osei Owusu, has granted a motion filed by the lawyers of Karen Baaba Sam to set aside what she claims was an illegally obtained arrest warrant.
The warrant, allegedly procured by her ex-partner Nana Kwadwo Adjei, was reportedly issued with the assistance of elements within the Ghana Police Service.
During the hearing on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, lawyers representing Ms. Baaba Sam argued that the warrant lacked legal basis and must be revoked.
David Beecham, a senior state attorney representing the state, did not oppose the motion.
Consequently, the magistrate ruled in favor of Ms. Baaba Sam, officially setting aside the arrest warrant and affirming that she is free to go about her daily activities without the threat of arrest.
Background: The warrant and public outcry
On January 20, 2025, a warrant for Ms. Baaba Sam’s arrest surfaced on social media, declaring her wanted by the Achimota District Court for her alleged involvement in an unlawful child removal case.
The warrant, signed by Superintendent of Police Joseph Benefo Darkwah, described Ms. Baaba Sam as a 29-year-old woman, 5 feet 6 inches tall, fair in complexion, and with a tattoo on her right breast.
Authorities claimed she was likely hiding in East Legon, Airport Residential Area, Cantonments, Osu, or Dzorwulu.
The warrant’s publication in the Daily Graphic on January 22, 2025, and subsequent reports on January 23, 2025, painted Ms. Baaba Sam as a fugitive, further intensifying public scrutiny.
Legal challenges and court investigations
In response, Ms. Baaba Sam’s lawyers conducted a search at the Achimota District Court, only to discover that no official record existed for the warrant.
Subsequently, they wrote to the Daily Graphic, demanding a retraction and apology for its misleading publication.
In a shocking development, the Registrar of the Achimota District Court contacted Ms. Baaba Sam’s legal team, claiming to have new findings related to the case.
However, no official court order or documentation authorizing the issuance of the warrant or its publication was provided.
Instead, an affidavit from the Registrar later contradicted earlier findings, raising suspicions of fraud and procedural misconduct.
Allegations of police misconduct
Ms. Baaba Sam alleged in her affidavits that the warrant was procured through fraudulent means by Detective Inspector Samuel Sakyi, under the influence of her ex-partner, Nana Kwadwo Adjei.
She described Adjei’s claim that she had wrongfully taken custody of their child as false, emphasizing that she had legal custody under an interim protection order issued by the Circuit Court on December 23, 2024.
She further accused Detective Inspector Sakyi of misleading the court and acting in collusion with Adjei to frame her as a fugitive. Bribery allegations surfaced, suggesting that law enforcement officers were complicit in attempting to manipulate legal proceedings against her.
Custody battle and legal disputes
The custody battle between Ms. Baaba Sam and Nana Kwadwo Adjei has been ongoing, with multiple cases filed in different courts.
She highlighted key legal events as follows:
December 13, 2024
The District Court ruled on a Christmas vacation custody arrangement for their daughter.
December 23, 2024
The Circuit Court issued an interim protection order in her favor after allegations of abuse against the complainant.
January 14, 2025
She appeared in Circuit Court, while Adjei failed to show up, falsely claiming to be out of town.
January 20, 2025
The warrant for her arrest was issued, despite ongoing legal proceedings.
February 4, 2025
The Achimota District Court overturned the arrest warrant, citing irregularities.
Ms. Baaba Sam stated that Adjei was using some police officers and sections of the judicial system to unlawfully advance his personal interests, portraying her as a criminal while ignoring legitimate custody orders issued by higher courts.
Call for accountability and reform
In her final submission, Ms. Baaba Sam requested the court to take punitive action against those responsible for obtaining and publicizing the fraudulent warrant.
She urged the judiciary to hold all parties involved accountable, including law enforcement officers who participated in corrupt practices.
She also emphasized that her custody rights remain legally protected, with ongoing appeals and reviews in higher courts.
Her legal team is now pursuing additional measures to ensure that justice is served and such abuses do not occur in the future.
With the Achimota District Court’s ruling, Ms. Baaba Sam’s legal battle takes a crucial turn, underscoring the need for judicial oversight and transparency in law enforcement processes.
