The Supreme Court of Ghana has overturned a contempt conviction against Ernest Yaw Kumi, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Akwatia, in a case that questioned the jurisdiction of the High Court in Koforidua.

Delivering its decision on Wednesday, June 11, the apex court nullified both the contempt finding and a pending sentencing order issued by Justice Emmanuel Senyo Amedahe, effectively freeing the MP from legal sanctions.

Lawyer Hails Victory as Vindication

Kumi’s lawyer, Kwame Owiredu, described the ruling as a “vindication of justice,” adding that his client remains the validly elected MP for Akwatia.

“Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi is as free as a bird,” he told the press, noting that Kumi would continue serving his constituents.

The Supreme Court’s decision followed a judicial review application filed by a legal team led by Gary Nimako-Marfo, who also serves as the NPP’s Director of Legal Affairs. The team argued that the High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the original election petition, as the MP’s victory was not officially gazetted until June 6, 2025—long after the petition was filed on December 31, 2024.

They further contended that the contempt proceedings were invalid because the MP was not given a hearing, violating the principles of natural justice.

NDC Responds: Petition Still Valid

In response, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, lawyer for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate in Akwatia, maintained that the election petition itself remains active.

“The petition stands. We will pursue it. The matter is not over,” Baidoo stated, adding that they are awaiting the full reasoning behind the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Fellow NDC lawyer, Henry Boakye Yiadom, also rejected the jurisdictional argument, insisting the High Court acted within legal bounds in issuing both the injunction and the contempt ruling.

Next Steps

While the Supreme Court has halted the contempt proceedings, the core election petition challenging Ernest Kumi’s parliamentary victory remains before the High Court—leaving the final outcome still to be determined.