Majority in Parliament has blocked MP for Akwatia Ernest Yaw Kumi from making a statement in Parliament.

The caucus, led by Mahama Ayariga insists that a convict and someone a bench warrant has been issued against cannot be allowed to deliver a statement

Tension rises as MPs shout at each other, banging tables in chaos.#JoyNews pic.twitter.com/1FnBEQnVnj

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Mr. Kumi, who had an injunction placed against him barring him from being sworn in as a Member of Parliament, defied the order and took his oath on January 7.

Ernest Yaw Kumi reportedly appealed against the contempt of court conviction slapped on him by the High Court.

Background

On February 11, 2025, a Koforidua High Court issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Ernest Yaw Kumi, the presumed winner of the Akwatia parliamentary seat in the Eastern region, after convicting him of contempt of court.

• Read also: High Court issues bench warrant for disputed Akwatia MP following contempt conviction

The court issued the bench warrant for Kumi's arrest after he failed to attend court.

The conviction comes after he disobeyed an interim injunction against him on January 7, prohibiting him from being sworn in and admitted as the Member of Parliament-elect for the Akwatia constituency due to an ongoing legal contest over his election.

Mr Kumi presented himself in Parliament to be sworn in on January 7, 2025.

The Judge, Justice Senyo Amedahe held that the convict, throughout the hearing of the contempt case, failed to appear in court in person.

He also rejected a letter from the minority side of Parliament claiming the MP was busy with parliamentary duties, hence his continuous absence from court.

The judge rejected the letter, insisting he would be going against his own ruling should he accept the letter from the minority caucus.