Supreme Court halts sentencing of Akwatia MP in contempt case

The Supreme Court, in a 4-1 majority ruling, has stopped the Koforidua High Court from sentencing Akwatia MP Ernest Yaw Kumi for contempt until it decides on his request to overturn the conviction.

Justice Gabriel Pwamang opposed the decision, while four justices backed the stay. Kumi had filed an appeal, arguing that the High Court lacked jurisdiction over the election petition since the Electoral Commission had not officially gazetted the results.

Justice Emmanuel Senyo Amadehe convicted Kumi for contempt after he defied an interim injunction preventing his swearing-in.

The court also issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

His lawyer, Gary Nimako Marfo, insists the conviction was a legal error, seeking to have it quashed.