Governance expert Dr. Richard Fiademor has strongly criticized the continued presence of Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, in Parliament despite a court conviction.
Speaking on the matter, he stated that MPs are not above the law and called for strict enforcement of the legal process.
“Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, must be arrested because a bench warrant has been issued on him. The MPs are not above the law,” Fiademor insisted.
The controversy surrounding Kumi stems from a Koforidua High Court ruling that found him in contempt for defying an interim injunction that barred him from being sworn in as a legislator.
The Majority in Parliament, on February 21, 2025, opposed his participation in the sitting, leading to an abrupt adjournment.
Despite the ruling, Kumi has continued to attend parliamentary sessions, which Fiademor believes undermines the judiciary’s authority.
He further criticized the Speaker of Parliament for allowing Kumi to be present in the chamber, stating, “The Speaker must also know there is a bench warrant on him, thus should not allow him in Parliament.”
Fiademor urged the embattled MP to respect the court’s decision and stay away from legislative proceedings.
“The best you can do is to stay home,” he advised, stressing the importance of upholding judicial rulings.
