A High Court in Koforidua, Eastern Region, has issued an interim injunction restraining Ernest Yaw Kumi, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate in the 2024 parliamentary election for the Akwatia Constituency, from holding himself out as the elected Member of Parliament for the constituency.
The order, granted on 2 January 2025, was issued following a legal petition filed by Henry Boakye-Yiadom, NDC’s parliamentary candidate in the election against Ernest Kumi, the Electoral Commission (EC), and the Clerk to Parliament, seeking an injunction to prevent Mr Kumi’s swearing-in.
Mr Kumi was declared the winner by the EC three weeks ago. The declaration was made at the National Police Training School in Tesano, Accra, after multiple failed attempts to finalise the results in the Eastern Region. Ernest Kumi garnered 19,269 votes, while the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Henry Yiadom Boakye had 17,206 votes.
But the petitioner alleges irregularities in the electoral process and has sought legal redress under the Representation of the People Act, 1992 (PNDC Law 284).
After hearing the case, the court issued an order prohibiting the respondents, including the Electoral Commission and the Clerk to Parliament, from recognising, swearing in, or gazetting Ernest Yaw Kumi as the Member of Parliament for Akwatia until the matter is resolved.
The court emphasised that the order is temporary and will remain in force for 10 days. This period is expected to allow for further legal deliberations on the case.
The Akwatia parliamentary seat has been a subject of contention following the December 2024 elections. The petitioner claims the election results were compromised, and the legal battle seeks to challenge the validity of the outcome.
The constituency was one of four constituencies, alongside Suhum, Nsawam, and Fanteakwa North, whose results had to be relocated to the National Police Training School for final re-collation.
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Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Security, Fire and Protection Units, in collaboration with the Police, Ghana Armed Forces, National Security, Fire Service, and other National Security Agencies, have secured Parliament ahead of the State of the Nation Address, dissolution, and inauguration of Parliament slated for Monday, January 6, 2025, at the Parliament House.
There has been a massive deployment of combined police and military personnel to the forecourt of Parliament House ahead of the final State of the Nation Address scheduled for Friday, January 3, 2025. The security presence will remain in place until the swearing-in of the President-elect.
As part of the security measures, additional checkpoints have been set up outside Parliament and within its inner perimeter. A strict “no ID, no entry” policy applies to all individuals, including Members of Parliament, journalists, and staff, to prevent unauthorized access.
Additionally, the Ghana Armed Forces Band has been seen rehearsing at the MPs’ Car Park to prepare for the president’s arrival to deliver his address, preceding the dissolution of the 8th Parliament in accordance with the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.
Briefing the Parliamentary Press Corps on the dissolution of the 8th Parliament and the inauguration of the 9th Parliament, the Chairman of the Transition Committee, Carmillo Pwamang, who is also the Deputy Clerk for Legislative Management Services, emphasized that transparency remains at the core of their mission. He stated, “Recognizing that trust is fundamental to a successful transition, we will provide regular updates through press briefings, social media platforms, and official reports.”
He also urged the media to hold them accountable during this critical period. “While we are optimistic about the transition, we acknowledge the potential for challenges,” he said.
Mr. Pwamang acknowledged that political transitions can be complex, involving differing opinions and perspectives. However, he expressed optimism for the future, saying, “We look forward to a new chapter in Ghana’s governance. Let us remember that this transition is not merely about changing leaders; it is about continuing our collective journey toward progress, development, and national unity.”
