A dramatic showdown unfolded in Parliament on Friday as the Majority National Democratic Congress (NDC) opposed a statement by Akwatia MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi, citing his conviction for contempt by the Koforidua High Court.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, speaking on the floor, emphasized that Ernest Kumi had defied an interim injunction barring him from being sworn in as a legislator, rendering his statement unlawful.
Mahama Ayariga stated, “He has been convicted by the court; we will not allow him to make a statement in this House.”
Mahama Ayariga further explained that Yaw Kumi was warned about the court order restraining him from being sworn in, but he chose to defy it, saying, “We said, look, there is a court order restraining you from being sworn in. If you refuse and you allow us to swear you in, you will be held accountable. And he said, yes, he’s ready to be held accountable.”
The Majority Leader insisted that Ernest Yaw Kumi should not be allowed to use Parliament as a shield to avoid accountability, adding, “Now he has been held accountable by the courts, and he wants to come and use this parliament as a shield. Mr. Speaker, it won’t happen.”
The controversy surrounding Ernest Yaw Kumi’s election as MP for Akwatia began when an interim injunction was issued, prohibiting him from taking office.
However, Ernest Kumi disregarded the court order and was subsequently sworn in as an MP, leading to his conviction for contempt.
The court withheld sentencing due to his absence and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
In response to the conviction, Ernest Kumi’s legal team has filed an appeal, challenging the High Court’s ruling.
An application has also been made to stay the execution of the bench warrant, pending the hearing of his appeal at the Appeal Court.
The Deputy Minority Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib has come out in support of Kumi, accusing the presiding judge of bias.
However, the Majority has vowed to walk out of Parliament if Ernest Yaw Kumi is allowed to make the statement, emphasizing their commitment to upholding the rule of law.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
