Majority Kicks Against Akwatia MP's Address in Parliament

Parliament House/Accra, Ghana -  A heated debate erupted in Parliament yesterday as the Majority caucus vehemently opposed a statement by the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi.

The Akwatia MP's attempt to present a statement on the floor was met with fierce resistance from the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, who deemed it unlawful. This comes after Kumi was convicted of contempt by the Koforidua High Court on February 19, 2025.

Ayariga threatened a walkout, stating that allowing Kumi to present his statement would undermine the judiciary and the rule of law.

“…This part of the house will wash our hands off and leave you to make your statement. Because we do not believe in undermining the judiciary or the rule of law so we will not join you to undermine the rule of law. We will not join you in undermining the judiciary. We will wash our hands off and then leave the chamber.”

However, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, jumped to Kumi's defense, arguing that he should not be denied his legislative duties based on hearsay.

“Mr Speaker, it may seem that the majority leader is bringing to your attention contempt of Parliament by the registrar of the court. If there is any such conviction. Is that what the majority leader is doing before the court?

“Distinguished Majority leader, is it that you are bringing to the attention of the court, contempt of court by the registry of the court or are you now the registrar, respectfully?

“Mr Speaker, in the circumstance of this Parliament, we can not trade disenfranchised or disallow a member of this house from performing his legislative duty,” he added.

The development has sparked tension in Parliament, with the Minority caucus expressing disappointment over the Majority's actions.

Source: Lead News Online