Ghana's highest court delivered a significant win for retired soccer star Asamoah Gyan by voiding bank account seizure orders worth 1 million cedis issued by a lower tribunal. Five justices ruled unanimously that garnishee actions targeting the former national team captain violated proper legal procedures and must be reversed.
Seven financial institutions had been instructed to freeze assets and explain why holdings should not satisfy a debt to journalist Anthony Osarfo. That directive came after a November 2024 ruling despite pending appeals at higher levels. Attorney Bobby Banson argued the enforcement attempt ignored fairness requirements, and Supreme Court justices agreed to suspend collection efforts pending appellate review.
The underlying case stems from allegations that led to criminal charges against Osarfo, who won an acquittal and later sued for wrongful prosecution. A judge awarded him damages of 900,000 cedis plus 111,000 for income losses and 60,000 in attorney fees during December 2023. The footballer and his representatives continue challenging that original judgment while benefiting from temporary protection against asset seizures.
Seven financial institutions had been instructed to freeze assets and explain why holdings should not satisfy a debt to journalist Anthony Osarfo. That directive came after a November 2024 ruling despite pending appeals at higher levels. Attorney Bobby Banson argued the enforcement attempt ignored fairness requirements, and Supreme Court justices agreed to suspend collection efforts pending appellate review.
The underlying case stems from allegations that led to criminal charges against Osarfo, who won an acquittal and later sued for wrongful prosecution. A judge awarded him damages of 900,000 cedis plus 111,000 for income losses and 60,000 in attorney fees during December 2023. The footballer and his representatives continue challenging that original judgment while benefiting from temporary protection against asset seizures.
