The Majority in Parliament has blocked Akwatia MP Ernest Yaw Kumi from delivering a statement, citing a court ruling that convicted him for contempt.
On February 19, 2025, the Koforidua High Court found Kumi guilty of contempt after he ignored an interim injunction barring him from being sworn in as a legislator. The court issued a bench warrant for his arrest after Kumi failed to appear for sentencing.
Despite the conviction, Kumi has continued to attend parliamentary sessions. When he attempted to deliver a statement on the floor, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga made it clear that his caucus would walk out if Kumi was allowed to proceed.
Mr. Ayariga emphasised the importance of respecting the rule of law, saying, “We will not join you in undermining the judiciary. We will wash our hands off and leave the chamber.”
In response, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the MP for Manhyia South, defended Kumi, arguing that Parliament had not received any formal notification from the court’s registrar about the conviction. Awuah questioned the Majority Leader’s actions, asserting that Mr. Kumi should not be denied the right to carry out his legislative duties until officially informed. “We cannot disenfranchise a member of this house without due process,” he said.
