High Court convicts Akwatia MP Ernest Yaw Kumi for contempt, orders his arrest

The High Court in Koforidua has convicted the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, for contempt of court after he defied an interim injunction barring him from being sworn into office.

Presiding Judge, Justice Senyo Amedahe, ruled that Kumi had willfully disregarded the court’s directive by taking the oath of office in Parliament despite being restrained from doing so. Citing overwhelming evidence of his defiance, the judge found him in contempt.

Following Kumi’s failure to appear before the court for sentencing, the judge issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

The legal dispute leading to the injunction remains unresolved, and the court had explicitly ordered the MP not to present himself for swearing-in until the matter was settled. However, he proceeded with the oath-taking, prompting the court’s action.

Attempts by the Minority Caucus in Parliament to justify Kumi’s absence from the hearing through an official letter were dismissed by the judge, who maintained that the MP had disregarded judicial authority.

With the bench warrant in effect, law enforcement is expected to ensure his arrest and compliance with the court’s ruling.