On Friday, February 21, 2025, a significant dispute arose in Ghana's Parliament when the Majority caucus prevented Ernest Yaw Kumi, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Akwatia Constituency in the Eastern Region, from delivering a statement.

This action follows a Koforidua High Court ruling on February 19, which convicted Mr. Kumi for contempt after he defied an interim injunction prohibiting his swearing-in.

Subsequently, the court issued a bench warrant for his arrest due to his absence during sentencing.

During the parliamentary session, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga asserted that allowing Mr. Kumi to speak would undermine the Judiciary and the rule of law.

He warned that the Majority would distance themselves from any proceedings permitting the MP to address the House under these circumstances.

In contrast, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the MP for Manhyia South, defended Mr. Kumi's right to participate in parliamentary duties.

He argued that, in the absence of official communication from the court to the Speaker regarding the conviction, there was no justification to bar Mr. Kumi from fulfilling his legislative responsibilities.

The situation intensified tensions within Parliament, raising critical questions about the interplay between judicial decisions and parliamentary privileges.

As of now, Mr. Kumi has appealed the contempt conviction and filed for a stay of execution concerning the bench warrant.