Supreme Court has overturned a contempt conviction against Ernest Kumi, a Member of Parliament representing Akwatia under the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in a move that effectively halts further legal proceedings initiated by a High Court in Koforidua.

The ruling followed a judicial review application filed by Mr. Kumi’s legal team, led by Gary Nimako-Marfo, who also serves as Director of Legal Affairs for the NPP. The Supreme Court not only nullified the conviction but also barred Justice Emmanuel Senyo Amedahe from proceeding to sentence the lawmaker.

The legal team argued that the Koforidua High Court lacked jurisdiction to preside over the underlying election petition, which initially resulted in an injunction against the MP. According to Ghana’s electoral laws, election petitions must be filed within 21 days of the publication of certified results in the official gazette. In this case, the petition was filed on December 31, 2024, while the official gazetting of the results occurred much later on June 6, 2025—well outside the mandated timeframe.

Citing the statutory lapse, Mr. Nimako-Marfo argued that the court’s jurisdiction had been improperly invoked, rendering all related decisions, including the contempt conviction, legally void. He further criticised the High Court for convicting Mr. Kumi without affording him a hearing, calling the move a “clear breach of natural justice.”

Opposing counsel representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate, Henry Boakye Yiadom, maintained that the High Court acted within its authority, and defended the legitimacy of both the injunction and contempt ruling.

The Supreme Court’s decision underscores heightened scrutiny of election-related litigation and judicial conduct in Ghana, particularly in light of ongoing political tensions and upcoming electoral cycles. Legal analysts say the ruling may have broader implications for how post-election disputes are handled by lower courts going forward.

Source:TheDotNews