The fate of Akwatia Member of Parliament (MP), Ernest Kumi, hangs in the balance as Former Abuakwa South MP, Samuel Atta Akyea Esq., has outlined potential severe sanctions he could face.
Speaking on Prime News on ABC News GH, Atta Akyea emphasized the legal consequences that could befall Kumi following his defiance of a court injunction.
“One could be expelled permanently if deemed fit by the Privileges Committee,” he warned.
Discussing possible disciplinary actions, Atta Akyea elaborated on the range of penalties that could be imposed on Kumi.
“You could be suspended in terms of Order 36, where you will not have the benefit of the salary. You could be reprimanded as the case might be. Then you could be expelled too.”
The looming decision by the Privileges Committee could see Kumi facing serious consequences for defying the judiciary.
Legal Battle: Should Kumi Seek Court Intervention?
Weighing in on the next steps available to Kumi, Atta Akyea advised seeking legal recourse as the best option.
“If I were him, I would get my lawyer and then try to go to the court, where the lawyer will seek for the bench warrant to be rescinded,” he suggested.
He expressed confidence that “most decent judges will rescind the warrant,” allowing the MP to “follow the process together with the counsel.”
Kumi’s Defiance
The Koforidua High Court cited Ernest Kumi for contempt after he disobeyed its injunction and proceeded to hold himself as MP-elect for the Akwatia Constituency.
Presided over by His Lordship Justice Senyo Amedahe, the court issued a bench warrant after Kumi disregarded an interim injunction granted on January 2, 2025, which barred him from being recognized, gazetted, or sworn in as MP.
Despite the court order, Kumi proceeded with the swearing-in process, triggering legal consequences. Counsel for the applicant, Bernard Bediako, has been vocal about the MP’s disregard for judicial authority.
Shortly after the bench warrant was made public, Kumi was seen exiting the parliamentary chamber, raising further questions about his next move.
‘You Cannot Hide Permanently from Court Processes’ – Atta Akyea Warns MPs
Criticizing MPs who attempt to evade legal proceedings by exploiting parliamentary rules, Atta Akyea stated:
“Sometimes it becomes bizarre when an impression is given that MPs want to evade court processes, and they are hiding under a cloak of the office and give process to the Speaker.”
He further emphasized:
“You cannot hide permanently from the court processes. So I don’t see how anyone will use the parliamentary rules to delay their case with the court processes.”
He advised MPs to uphold judicial respect, stating, “You have a right to a lawyer. And because you are an MP, there is some decency about you responding to court processes. You should show respect to another arm of government. You shouldn’t disrespect it.”
The unfolding events put Kumi at a crossroads: comply with legal procedures or risk facing the full weight of parliamentary and judicial sanctions.
