The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has strongly condemned the National Democratic Congress, NDC government’s actions in attempting to arrest the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi.
According to Afenyo-Markin, the government’s actions are a clear example of collusion with the Koforidua High Court to harass the MP.
Addressing a press conference in Parliament, Afenyo-Markin said “The attempt to arrest Ernest Yaw Kumi is a clear example of collusion between the government and the Koforidua High Court”.
Afenyo-Markin stated, “It is troubling that the Interior Minister, Muntaka Mubarak, would justify the actions of the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) in this case.”
Afenyo-Markin disputed the claim by Minister Muntaka Mubarak that the National Security operatives were simply following the law.
“When a court issues an order, it is the registrar’s responsibility to assign a bailiff to enforce it, not National Security operatives,” Afenyo-Markin explained.
“In this case, the Supreme Court had already frozen the enforcement of that order.”
The Minority Leader expressed concern over the fact that, even after the Supreme Court ruling, state security forces were sent to harass the MP in his constituency.
“For a week after the ruling, it is deeply concerning that National Security operatives continued to pursue the MP,” he added.
Afenyo-Markin recounted how the National Security operatives, armed with pick-up vehicles and pistols, attempted to forcibly detain the MP.
“They even pulled out weapons and pistols, trying to intimidate him into getting into the vehicle,” he said.
The Minority Leader emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and vowed to challenge the actions taken by the government.
“The NDC government must understand that this country is governed by the rule of law,” Afenyo-Markin declared.
“We will be filing a formal request for the Attorney General to explain the circumstances that led to the judiciary in the Eastern Region and the Koforidua High Court colluding with the National Security Coordinator.”
This development comes after the Koforidua High Court issued a bench warrant for Kumi’s arrest, following his conviction for contempt.
The MP had presented himself for swearing-in, despite a court injunction barring him from doing so.
The Minority Leader has vowed to use all available legal avenues to challenge the actions taken against Kumi and protect the rule of law.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
