A ruling by the Koforidua High Court has barred Ernest Yaw Kumi, the candidate for the Akwatia Constituency's seat in parliament, from taking the oath of office.

The ruling comes after a legal challenge by Hon. Henry Boakye-Yiadom, who lost the election and says there were irregularities in the parliamentary poll held on December 7. In order to stop Kumi's swearing-in, Boakye-Yiadom filed a lawsuit, claiming that these purported anomalies affected the outcome.

Kumi, the Electoral Commission, and the Clerk of Parliament were prohibited from carrying out the swearing-in ceremony by an interim injunction issued by Justice Senyo Amedahe on January 2. Kumi and his crew were also told by the court not to pretend to be Akwatia's MP until the matter was settled.


The 10-day-long injunction gives the court time to thoroughly review the case. In the interim, the Akwatia Constituency will not have representation in Parliament since the Electoral Commission has been instructed not to recognize Kumi as the MP.



According to Bernard Bediako Baidoo, Boakye-Yiadom's attorney, the injunction was required to maintain justice in the legal system. The request to guarantee a comprehensive examination of the accusations was granted by the court in agreement.



This breakthrough has generated a great deal of public interest since it shows how election disputes might be resolved in the future. As the case progresses, more arguments are anticipated from both sides.


The Electoral Commission and the Clerk of Parliament have been directed to follow the court's instructions in the interim. Following the court's ruling, the people of Akwatia will have to wait to find out if Kumi will be confirmed as their MP or if a fresh election will be held.