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The Majority in Parliament has opposed an attempt by Ernest Yaw Kumi, Member of Parliament for Akwatia, to deliver a statement, citing legal issues surrounding his status as a legislator.
On February 19, 2025, the Koforidua High Court convicted the Akwatia MP for contempt after he defied an interim injunction that barred him from being sworn into Parliament. Following his failure to appear for sentencing, the court issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
Despite this, Yaw Kumi continues to attend Parliamentary proceedings.
During a Parliamentary session, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga strongly opposed the MP’s participation, warning that allowing him to speak would undermine the rule of law.
“…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, we will not join you to undermine the judiciary. We will wash our hands off and then leave the chamber.”
However, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, MP for Manhyia South, defended Yaw Kumi, arguing that he should not be barred based on unverified claims.
He questioned whether the court had officially notified the Speaker of any conviction and suggested that the Majority Leader was acting beyond his authority.
“Mr Speaker, in the circumstance of this Parliament, we cannot trade disenfranchisement or disallow a member of this house from performing his legislative duty.”
The matter remains unresolved, with the status of the Akwatia MP’s parliamentary duties still in question.
