Koforidua High Court Issues Bench Warrant for Akwatia MP Ernest Yaw Kumi Over Contempt Conviction
In a significant legal development, the Koforidua High Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Ernest Yaw Kumi, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Akwatia in Ghana's Eastern Region. This action follows his conviction for contempt of court after he defied an interim injunction prohibiting his swearing-in as MP.
The controversy began after the December 2024 parliamentary elections, where Ernest Yaw Kumi was declared the winner of the Akwatia seat by the Electoral Commission (EC). However, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate, Henry Boakye-Yiadom, challenged the results, citing irregularities. In response, on January 2, 2025, the Koforidua High Court granted an interim injunction preventing Mr. Kumi from being sworn in as the MP-elect for Akwatia.
Despite the court's clear directive, Mr. Kumi proceeded to present himself in Parliament and was sworn in on January 7, 2025. This act was in direct violation of the court's order, leading to contempt proceedings against him. Throughout these proceedings, Mr. Kumi failed to appear in person, prompting further legal action.
Presiding over the case, Justice Senyo Amedahe noted Mr. Kumi's continuous absence and disregard for the court's authority. Attempts by the Minority Caucus in Parliament to justify his absence through official communication were dismissed by the judge, who emphasized that accepting such excuses would contradict the court's earlier rulings. Consequently, a bench warrant was issued for Mr. Kumi's arrest to ensure compliance with the court's orders.
This legal battle has significant implications for the representation of the Akwatia constituency. With the court's ruling, questions arise regarding the legitimacy of Mr. Kumi's position and the potential need for a by-election should his seat be declared vacant. The case underscores the judiciary's role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that electoral disputes are resolved through legal channels.
As the situation unfolds, the enforcement of the bench warrant and Mr. Kumi's subsequent legal responses will be closely monitored. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to judicial decisions and the potential consequences of contemptuous actions within Ghana's democratic framework.
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