Majority blocks convicted Akwatia MP
The Majority in Parliament has prevented the Akwatia MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi, from making a statement in the House. The caucus, led by Mahama Ayariga, maintains that a convicted individual, against whom a bench warrant has been issued, should not be allowed to address Parliament.
Kumi, who had an injunction placed on him barring him from being sworn in as an MP, defied the order and took his oath on January 7, 2025. He has reportedly appealed the contempt of court conviction handed down by the High Court.
Background
On February 11, 2025, a High Court in Koforidua issued a bench warrant for Kumi’s arrest after convicting him of contempt of court. The warrant was issued after Kumi failed to attend court as required.
The contempt conviction followed Kumi’s disobedience of an interim injunction on January 7, which prohibited him from being sworn in as the MP-elect for Akwatia due to an ongoing legal challenge over his election. Despite the injunction, Kumi appeared in Parliament to take the oath of office.
Justice Senyo Amedahe, who presided over the contempt case, noted that Kumi had failed to appear in court during the proceedings. He rejected a letter from the Minority claiming Kumi’s absence was due to parliamentary duties, asserting that accepting such a letter would undermine his ruling.
Minority response
The Minority has expressed dissatisfaction with the Majority’s actions in blocking Kumi from delivering a statement in Parliament. The Minority leader criticized the Majority for disrupting parliamentary proceedings, stating that when their arguments were being countered, the Majority Chief Whip intervened and the Majority leader called for an adjournment.
He further stated that he had not been informed about any court ruling concerning Kumi’s case. “As the leader of our side, I haven’t been invited to any meeting regarding this matter. I don’t know what the NDC is up to,” he said.
The Minority leader also issued a warning to the government regarding the upcoming State of the Nation address scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2025. “If the NDC believes they are using Ernest Kumi for political gain, we remind them that the President will be addressing Parliament next Thursday. They’ve forgotten that they are in government,” he cautioned.
