REPUBLIC v TOMMY THOMPSON BOOKS L TD and Others [1997-98] I GLR 515 -611

Constitutional law-Fundamental rights and freedoms-Freedom and indepen­df!1lce of media-Limitations on-Offence of "false report injuring the reputation of the State" under section 185 of Act 29-Articles 12(2) and 164 subjecting freedom of speech, expression and independence of media under articles 21 (2)(a) and 162(1) and (2) to national interest Constitution ;imposing obligation on citizen to promote prestige and good name of Ghana-Ingredients of offence under section 185 of Act 29-Jj1hether section 185 of Act 29 reasonably required in terms of articles 12(2) and 164-Whether section 185 of Act 29 inconsistent with letter and spirit of Constitution-Criminal Code, 1960 (Act 29), s j 85-Constitution, lC/92, arts 12(2), 21(I)(a), 41(a), 162(1) and (2),164 and 295(1).

Constitutional law-Supreme Court-Original jurisdiction-Challenge to constitutionality of a law-Reference from lower court under article 130(2) -Duty of Supreme Court-Whether facts of case before trial court relevant-Rationale for exclusion of facts-Act, 29, s 185-Constitution, 1992, art 130(2).        '