Minority Slams Court Decision Against Akwatia MP, Appeals Ruling

Accra, Ghana - 20 Feb, 2025 - Ghana's democracy is under threat, according to Second Deputy Minority Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib, who has condemned the legal actions taken against Akwatia MP Ernest Yaw Kumi.

 A Koforidua High Court ruling found Kumi guilty of contempt for defying an interim injunction that barred him from being sworn in as a legislator and Presiding Judge, Justice Senyo Amedahe, subsequently issued a bench warrant for Kumi's arrest after he failed to appear for sentencing.

He emphasized that Ghana's democracy relies on fairness, the rule of law, and justice, and that the actions taken against Kumi threaten these principles.

He warned that the judicial system must not be "weaponized" to serve partisan interests or undermine the will of the people of Akwatia. Instead, Shaib called on all Ghanaians to ensure that justice prevails.

“Ghana’s democracy thrives on fairness, the rule of law, and the principles of justice. The actions taken against Hon Ernest Yaw Kumi threaten not only his rights but also the very foundations of our democratic processes and principles,” he stated.

“The judicial system must not be weaponized to serve partisan interests or undermine the will of the people of Akwatia. We call on all well-meaning Ghanaians to ensure that justice prevails,” Shaib added.

Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has taken legal action against the conviction of Ernest Kumi, the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, by filing a notice of appeal and a stay of execution pending appeal.

According to the Second Deputy Minority Whip and MP for Weija Gbawe,  the NPP aims to overturn the High Court's decision at the Court of Appeal. 

“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 stay of execution pending appeal has also been filed at the High Court No 3 Koforidua,” he added.

Source: Lead News Online