Member of Parliament (MP) for Akwatia on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ernest Yaw Kumi was spotted sneaking out of parliament following a bench warrant issued for his arrest.
The Koforidua High Court issued a bench warrant for his arrest on Wednesday, February 19, following his conviction for contempt of court.
Ernest Yaw Kumi was spotted in parliament engaging with other parliamentarians before heading into the chamber. During that period it is presumed the MP was not aware of the bench warrant , and only left the House quietly after he heard the news.
In a video captured by JoyNews, the MP was spotted packing up his belongings and silently walking out of parliament, refusing to speak to other MPs who asked him questions.
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
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