NPP Appeals Koforidua High Court’s Ruling Against Akwatia MP

Koforidua, Ghana – February 21, 2025

The Minority in Parliament has disclosed that the legal counsel of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially filed an appeal against the Koforidua High Court’s ruling in the Ernest Kumi contempt case.

The Akwatia MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi, was convicted on Wednesday, February 20, for contempt after defying an interim injunction that barred him from being sworn in as a legislator. The court, presided over by Justice Senyo Amedahe, also issued a bench warrant for Kumi’s arrest following his failure to appear for sentencing.

Legal Challenges and Allegations of Bias

During a press conference, Weija-Gbawe MP, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, representing the Minority caucus, accused the presiding judge of bias against the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Shaib further criticized the judge’s decision to proceed with the ruling despite multiple legal notices, including:

• A writ of certiorari and prohibition, challenging the High Court’s jurisdiction.
• A stay of proceedings, which sought to prevent judgment until a higher court ruled on the case.

He argued that Justice Amedahe ignored these notices and moved forward with sentencing.

Appeal and Stay of Execution Filed

Shaib confirmed that the NPP legal team has taken action, stating:

“A notice of appeal has been filed against the ruling at the Court of Appeal, and an application for a stay of execution pending appeal has also been lodged at High Court No. 3 in Koforidua.”

He added that all parties, including Justice Emmanuel Senyo Amedahe, have been duly served with legal documents regarding the certiorari and prohibition application currently before the Supreme Court.

Background of the Contempt Case

The legal battle stems from an earlier court order preventing Kumi from being sworn in due to an unresolved electoral dispute. However, the lawmaker defied the injunction and proceeded to take the oath of office in Parliament, leading to his conviction for contempt.

With the appeal and stay of execution now in motion, all eyes are on the higher courts to determine the fate of the embattled MP.