- Minority in Parliament appeals contempt ruling against Akwatia MP
- Caucus files stay of execution to suspend bench warrant
- Minority Whip describes court's ruling as harsh, threatening democracy
The Minority in Parliament has filed an appeal against the ruling of the Koforidua High Court, which found Akwatia MP Ernest Yaw Kumi guilty of contempt and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
In addition to the appeal, the Minority caucus has also filed a stay of execution to suspend the court’s order while the appeal is under consideration.
Ernest Yaw Kumi was convicted of contempt by the Koforidua High Court after he defied an interim injunction that prohibited him from being sworn in as a Member of Parliament. Following his failure to appear for sentencing, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.
Second Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, addressed the media, calling the court’s ruling “harsh” and expressing the Minority’s disagreement with the decision.
“Legal steps have been taken. A notice of appeal has been filed against the ruling of the High Court at the Court of Appeal. An application for a stay of execution pending the appeal has also been filed at the High Court. Moreover, all parties have been duly served. Further legal steps will be taken, and the Minority Caucus in Parliament will address the Ghanaian public on the way forward,” Shaib said.
He emphasized that Ghana’s democracy is built on fairness, the rule of law, and justice, and warned that the actions taken against Ernest Yaw Kumi posed a threat not only to his rights but also to the core values of the nation’s democracy.
“Ghana’s democracy thrives on fairness, the rule of law, and the principles of justice. The actions taken against the MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi, threaten not only his rights but the very foundation of our democracy,” he added.
