The Supreme Court has ruled that it will hear the appeal of Ernest Yaw Kumi, the embattled Member of Parliament for Akwatia, despite his contempt conviction by the Koforidua High Court.
Previously, the apex court had directed lawyers to argue the legal implications of granting a hearing to a contemnor who has not yet purged themselves of contempt.
By law, individuals found in contempt are generally not entitled to a hearing unless they have cleared themselves of the charge, though exceptions exist.
In a 4-1 majority decision on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that Mr. Kumi falls within those exceptions and should be granted a hearing.
Justice Gabriel Pwamang dissented, while Justices Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, Ernest Gaewu, Henry Anthony Kwofie, and Richard Adjei-Frimpong ruled in favor of hearing the case.
Mr. Kumi was found guilty of contempt by the Koforidua High Court in February 2025 for defying an injunction and proceeding with his swearing-in as MP.
He is appealing the ruling at the Supreme Court but first had to convince the court that he deserved to be heard despite the conviction.
Source: Graphic Online.
