Mahama Ayariga (L) has opposed the participation of Ernest Kumi in parliamentary debates
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has opposed the participation of Ernest Yaw Kumi in parliamentary proceedings, citing his contempt conviction by the High Court.
Speaking in Parliament on Friday, February 21, 2025, he reminded the House that Kumi had defied a court order barring him from being sworn in as a Member of Parliament.
Recounting past events, Mahama Ayariga emphasised that before Ernest Kumi was sworn in, he had been cautioned about the legal consequences of his actions.
“Watching him in this House, we said, ‘Look, there is a court order restraining you from being sworn in, if you refuse and you allow us to swear you in, you will be held accountable.’
“Mr. Speaker, it won’t happen this time. We will not allow that. We will not allow him to make the statement on this floor because he has been convicted by the courts,” he stated.
Mahama Ayariga further noted that Ernest Kumi should, at the very least, file an appeal and seek a stay of execution if he intends to contest the ruling.
Until then, he argued, allowing Kumi to participate in parliamentary deliberations would undermine the rule of law.
“If you insist and admit this statement and you allow him to make the statement, this side of the House will wash our hands off and walk out, we will not join you in undermining the judiciary or the rule of law,” he noted.
The Majority Caucus remains firm in its position that a convicted person with an active bench warrant against him cannot be allowed to address the House.
Ernest Kumi, who had an injunction placed on him preventing his swearing-in, went ahead to take his oath on January 7, 2025.
Following his conviction, he has reportedly appealed against the High Court’s decision.
However, the Majority insists that due process must be fully observed before he can participate in parliamentary affairs.
JKB/AE
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