A High Court in Accra has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the disputed Member of Parliament for Akwatia Ernest Yaw Kumi. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, has intensified the ongoing legal battle surrounding the legitimacy of the MP’s position, further fueling political tensions in the constituency.
The court’s decision follows a case in which the MP allegedly defied an earlier court order regarding an electoral dispute. According to the ruling, the lawmaker’s actions amounted to gross disrespect for the authority of the judiciary, warranting the issuance of the arrest warrant.
Background of the Dispute
The Akwatia parliamentary seat has been embroiled in controversy since the 2020 general elections, with legal challenges questioning the validity of the MP’s election. A rival candidate had petitioned the court, alleging irregularities and electoral malpractices. The court had previously issued directives on the matter, which the MP allegedly ignored, leading to the contempt charges.
Justice Kwesi Boakye, who presided over the case, stated in his ruling:
“The respondent has consistently disregarded this court’s orders and demonstrated utter disrespect for the judicial process. This behavior cannot be tolerated in a democratic society governed by the rule of law. A bench warrant is hereby issued for his immediate arrest.”
Reactions from Key Stakeholders
The ruling has sparked reactions from various political and legal figures. The petitioner, who challenged the MP’s election, welcomed the court’s decision, stating that it reaffirmed confidence in the judiciary.
“This is a victory for democracy and the rule of law. No one is above the law, and those who flout court orders must be held accountable,” he said.
The MP’s legal team, however, expressed disappointment with the ruling and vowed to take legal steps to challenge it. Lead counsel for the embattled lawmaker, Lawyer Samuel Asiedu, described the bench warrant as “harsh and unnecessary”, insisting that his client had no intention of disrespecting the court.
“We will explore all legal avenues to address this ruling. Our client remains committed to serving the people of Akwatia, and we believe justice will ultimately be served,” he stated.
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has also condemned the court’s decision, describing it as politically motivated. Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, alleged that the ruling was part of a larger scheme to undermine the representation of opposition MPs in Parliament.
“We are closely monitoring this development. It is becoming a worrying trend where opposition MPs are targeted through legal maneuvers. We will not sit idly by while our members are unfairly treated,” he warned.
Police and Government’s Response
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has confirmed that efforts are underway to execute the bench warrant. A police spokesperson, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, assured the public that the matter would be handled professionally and without bias.
“We are a law enforcement institution, and we will ensure that the court’s directives are carried out accordingly. We urge the public to remain calm as we proceed with this matter,” she said.
On the government’s side, the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, called for due process to be followed, urging both parties to respect the law.
“While we acknowledge the court’s ruling, we hope that all legal options available to the MP will be explored fairly. It is important that we uphold the rule of law while protecting parliamentary representation,” he said.
What Happens Next?
Legal analysts suggest that the MP’s next move will be crucial in determining his political future. If arrested, he may face further sanctions, including a possible jail term or disqualification from holding public office, depending on the severity of his contempt charge.
As the case unfolds, the people of Akwatia remain uncertain about their political representation, with many calling for a swift resolution to the impasse.
For now, all eyes are on the courts and law enforcement agencies as the political drama in Akwatia continues to unfold.