In the wake of a court’s conviction against Member of Parliament Ernest Yaw Kumi, local governance expert Dr. Richard Fiademor has called for swift action from the authorities.
Kumi, who was convicted for contempt by the Koforidua High Court, is at the center of a growing controversy after defying an interim injunction barring him from taking office as a legislator.
Dr. Fiademor expressed his concerns that the law should be upheld, regardless of Kumi’s status as an MP.
“The MPs are not above the law,” Dr. Fiademor stated, urging the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to execute the bench warrant issued for Kumi’s arrest.
He pointed out that the court’s order must be followed by the national security services to maintain legal integrity.
Dr. Fiademor further called on Parliament’s leadership to ensure that Kumi is not allowed to make a statement during sittings, emphasizing that such actions would undermine the rule of law.
Dr. Fiademor also criticized Parliament’s leadership for what he sees as a double standard in allowing Kumi to participate in proceedings despite the bench warrant.
“The Speaker must also know that there is a bench warrant on him, and thus should not allow him into Parliament,” he remarked.
He urged Kumi to respect the court’s decision and stay at home, rather than defy the legal process by attending Parliament.
