Bernard Bediako Baidoo, the lawyer for Henry Boakye Yiadom, the 2024 Parliamentary Candidate for Akwatia on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has stated that the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Kumi, will face immediate punishment upon his arrest for contempt of court.
According to Baidoo, the court is prepared to act swiftly to ensure justice is served, regardless of the day or time of the MP’s arrest.
This follows an arrest warrant issued by the Koforidua High Court against Mr. Kumi for contempt of court. The court presided over by Justice Senyo Amedahe, found the MP guilty after he willfully disobeyed an interim injunction prohibiting him from presenting himself to be sworn in as the Member of Parliament for Akwatia. Despite the court order, Mr. Kumi proceeded to be sworn in and has continued to hold himself out as an MP.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, Bernard Bediako Baidoo revealed that the Chief Justice has issued a directive to the trial judge to sit daily, including weekends and holidays, until the case is fully resolved.
“I am aware that the Chief Justice has issued a directive to the trial judge to sit every day including weekends and holidays until the final conclusion of all issues surrounding the case. So, even if he is arrested on a Sunday, he can be brought for his punishment to be read out to him,” he stated.
Background
The Akwatia parliamentary seat was one of several hotly contested races in the 2024 elections, the results of which 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 request filed by National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate Henry Boakye Yiadom against the Electoral Commission, Ernest Kumi, and the Clerk of Parliament. The injunction barred Kumi from being sworn in as the Member of Parliament for Akwatia.
Four days later, on January 6, the court dismissed an application by Mr. Kumi and reaffirmed its earlier 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 the court’s clear orders, Ernest Kumi proceeded with the swearing-in ceremony, defiantly stating his readiness to face any legal consequences for his actions. His decision has sparked widespread controversy and raised serious questions about adherence to the rule of law and respect for judicial authority.
We’ll ensure Akwatia MP complies with court ruling – Afenyo-Markin