Majority block Akwatia MP’s address, cites legal concerns

The Majority caucus in Parliament has strongly opposed an attempt by the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, to present a statement, describing it as unlawful.

Their opposition follows a ruling by the Koforidua High Court, which convicted the Akwatia MP for contempt on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The court found him guilty of defying an interim injunction that barred him from being sworn in as a legislator. A bench warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest after he failed to appear for sentencing.

Despite the court ruling, Ernest Yaw Kumi has continued to attend Parliamentary proceedings. However, when he attempted to deliver a statement on the floor of Parliament, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, warned that his caucus would stage a walkout if he was allowed to proceed.

“…This part of the house will wash our hands off and leave you to make your statement. Because we do not believe in undermining the judiciary or the rule of law, so we will not join you to undermine the rule of law. We will not join you in undermining the judiciary. We will wash our hands off and then leave the chamber,” Ayariga asserted.

Defending the Akwatia MP, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, argued that Ernest Yaw Kumi should not be prevented from performing his legislative duties based on what he termed as hearsay.

He pointed out that the court’s registrar had not officially notified the Speaker of Parliament about the conviction, and therefore, there was no valid reason to restrict Kumi’s participation.

“Mr Speaker, it may seem that the Majority Leader is bringing to your attention contempt of Parliament by the registrar of the court. If there is any such conviction, is that what the Majority Leader is doing before the court?

“Distinguished Majority Leader, is it that you are bringing to the attention of the court, contempt of court by the registry of the court, or are you now the registrar, respectfully?

“Mr Speaker, in the circumstance of this Parliament, we cannot trade, disenfranchise, or disallow a member of this house from performing his legislative duty,” Awuah argued.