Minority leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin (MP), has promised Member of Parliament (MP) for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi will comply with the bench warrant issued by the Koforidua High Court.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, February 19, Afenyo-Markin described the court’s directive as unfair and unsatisfactory to the Minority Caucus.
“I am aware of the Koforidua High Court decision. We are yet to procure the court ruling and the orders of the court. The lawyers are going to brief the caucus, and we will come out with our position on the matter, meanwhile, all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that our colleague is law-abiding and ensure that the right thing is done.
“But we have to say that we are dissatisfied with the approach and we think that he has been treated unfairly. We will come out fully with our position when we receive full briefing from our lawyers,” He said.
The Koforidua High Court has convicted Ernest Yaw Kumi, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Akwatia, for contempt of court.
The ruling follows his blatant defiance of an interim injunction that barred him from being sworn in as a legislator.
Presiding Judge Justice Senyo Amedahe issued a bench warrant for Kumi’s arrest after he failed to appear before the court for sentencing.
Counsel for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for Akwatia Bernard Bediako told the media after proceeding that Ernest Kumi cannot continue to hold himself as an MP.
“A letter emanated from their own caucus and said that he could not come to Parliament because he was undertaking some serious business.
“Now the court said he would not even entertain that letter because if he did, it would amount to an inconsistency on his own part because he has ruled that the gentleman cannot hold himself as a Member of Parliament.”
The court on January 6, 2025, restrained the Mr. Kumi from presenting himself for the swearing-in ceremony, pending the resolution of a legal dispute, but Kumi proceeded to take the oath of office in Parliament despite the court directive.
Justice Amedahe citing overwhelming evidence of willful defiance, ruled that the lawmaker had acted in contempt of court.
With the bench warrant now in effect, authorities are expected to enforce his arrest and ensure compliance with the court’s ruling.
Watch video:
