The Majority in Parliament has opposed the presentation of a statement by the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, calling it unlawful.
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, the Koforidua High Court found the Akwatia MP guilty of contempt after he ignored an interim injunction preventing him from being sworn in as a legislator.
A bench warrant for his arrest was issued after he failed to attend court for sentencing. Despite this, the MP has continued attending Parliamentary sessions.
When the MP attempted to deliver a statement on the floor of Parliament, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga warned that the caucus would walk out if the statement was allowed, describing the action as illegal.
“This part of the house will wash our hands of this and leave you to make your statement. We do not believe in undermining the judiciary or the rule of law, so we will not participate in this. We will not join you in undermining the judiciary,” Ayariga declared.
On the other hand, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, defended the Akwatia MP, arguing that he should not be denied his right to perform his legislative duties based on mere rumors. He pointed out that the Registrar of the court had not yet notified the Speaker of any action taken against the Akwatia MP, making it unjustifiable to restrict his participation in Parliament.
“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 can not trade disenfranchised or disallow a member of this house from performing his legislative duty,” he said.
