The counsel for NDC’s parliamentary candidate for Akwatia, Bernard Bediako, has emphasized the importance of respecting the rule of law following the Koforidua High Court’s conviction of Akwatia MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi for contempt.
According to him, the court’s ruling was a clear indication that the country operates under the rule of law and no individual is above the judicial system.
Speaking to the media after the court’s ruling, Mr. Bediako explained that the case began in December 2024, when the legitimacy of Kumi’s election as Member of Parliament was challenged.
Following a motion for an interim injunction, the court ordered Kumi to refrain from presenting himself as the elected MP. However, he said Mr. Kumi willfully disobeyed the court’s directive by proceeding to parliament, where he was sworn in as a Member.
He noted that Mr. Kumi’s disregard for the court’s orders led to a contempt case being filed against him. He stated that after reviewing the evidence and arguments, the court ruled that Mr. Kumi had blatantly violated its orders and emphasized that personal opinions about a court’s decision cannot justify disobedience.
According to him, attempts by Mr. Kumi’s lawyer to stall the ruling were dismissed because the lawyer had failed to file the necessary legal appearances or documentation in the case. He explained that contempt cases are distinct from other legal matters, requiring strict adherence to procedures, which were not followed by Mr. Kumi’s team.
He noted that the conviction and the issuance of a bench warrant for Mr. Kumi’s arrest demonstrate the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring accountability and maintaining the integrity of its decisions.
