Majority blocks Akwatia MP’s address in Parliament

The Majority in Parliament has kicked against the presentation of a statement by the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, deeming it unlawful.

On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, the Koforidua High Court convicted the Akwatia MP for contempt after he defied an interim injunction barring him from being sworn in as a legislator. As a result, a bench warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest after he failed to appear before the court for sentencing.

The MP has since been attending Parliamentary proceedings.

In an attempt to deliver a statement on the floor of Parliament, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga stated that the caucus would be compelled to stage a walkout on what they describe as an illegality if the MP is allowed to present the statement.

“…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 in defending the Akwatia MP, stated that the latter should not be denied his legislative duties based on hearsay.

According to him, the Registrar of the court has not yet informed the Speaker of any action against the Akwatia MP, and as such, there’s no valid reason to restrict his participation in Parliament.

“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 said.