The lawsuit filed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after the December 7th election barring New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate Ernest Kumi from assuming his role as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Akwatia was legally binding. It is both troubling and bizarre that prospective parliamentary candidates are seemingly ignorant of court orders, yet continue to perform their duties in Parliament as if nothing is amiss. By knowingly disregarding the law, Kumi is violating judicial instructions.
Although the interim order lasted only ten days, it was legally binding, and Kumi was obligated to comply with the court’s directive, refraining from carrying out his parliamentary duties. The judge’s ruling was clear and unequivocal, and by failing to comply, Kumi has exposed himself to contempt of court charges.
Private legal practitioner and constitutional lawyer Pau Kumi made these remarks on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Alex Nana Dogbey in Accra.
In a related development, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, the lawyer for Henry Boakye Yiadom, the NDC’s 2024 parliamentary candidate for Akwatia, stated that Ernest Kumi will face immediate punishment upon his arrest for contempt of court. Baidoo emphasized that the court is prepared to act swiftly to ensure justice is served, regardless of when Kumi is arrested.
This comes after the Koforidua High Court issued an arrest warrant for Kumi for contempt. The court, presided over by Justice Senyo Amedahe, found Kumi guilty of willfully disobeying an interim injunction that prohibited him from presenting himself to be sworn in as MP for Akwatia. Despite the court’s order, Kumi went ahead with the swearing-in ceremony and continued to present himself as an MP.
Baidoo further revealed that the Chief Justice had directed the trial judge to sit daily, including weekends and holidays, until the case is fully resolved. “Even if he is arrested on a Sunday, the trial judge can sit and read out the punishment,” Baidoo said.
The Akwatia parliamentary seat was one of several contentious races in the 2024 elections. The results were controversially declared by the Electoral Commission at the National Police Training School in Tesano, Accra.
On January 2, 2025, the Koforidua High Court granted an injunction filed by NDC’s parliamentary candidate, Henry Boakye Yiadom, against the Electoral Commission, Ernest Kumi, and the Clerk of Parliament. This injunction barred Kumi from being sworn in as MP for Akwatia.
Four days later, on January 6, the court dismissed an application by Kumi and reaffirmed its order, prohibiting him from taking the oath of office on January 7, 2025. The ruling also explicitly barred the Clerk of Parliament from administering the oath to Kumi.
Despite these clear orders, Kumi proceeded with the swearing-in ceremony, defiantly claiming that he was prepared to face any legal consequences. His actions have sparked controversy and raised serious concerns about respect for the rule of law and judicial authority.
Haruna Mohammed, Deputy General Secretary of the NPP, criticized how Ernest Kumi’s case was handled, alleging that the judge had already made up his mind before the proceedings.
On February 19, 2025, the Koforidua High Court convicted Ernest Kumi for contempt of court, following his defiance of the injunction barring him from being sworn in as MP. The presiding judge, Justice Senyo Amedahe, also issued a bench warrant for Kumi’s arrest after he failed to appear in court for sentencing.
Despite the court’s earlier restraint on Kumi’s swearing-in, the MP ignored the injunction and proceeded with the ceremony. The court found that Kumi had willfully defied the law, ruling that his actions amounted to contempt.
Haruna Mohammed criticized the judge for refusing to admit NPP lawyer Gary Nimako into the court, describing it as disrespectful and biased. He stated that the judge’s behavior undermined the principles of a fair hearing.
Mohammed expressed his surprise at the judge’s outright refusal to recognize Nimako, despite his attempts to present relevant documents in court. “It was so disrespectful,” Mohammed said. He emphasized that the NPP respects the justice system and would follow due process to address any concerns.
“We are law-abiding citizens of this country. We will never insult the justice system,” Mohammed affirmed, adding that NPP lawyers would speak on the matter at the appropriate time.
Meanwhile, Bernard Bediako Baidoo reaffirmed that Kumi would face swift punishment upon his arrest. He assured that the court is prepared to move forward with the case without delay.
Story by: Alexander Kukah
