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Court To Rule Today On NPP’s Bid To lift Injunction Against Ernest Kumi’s Swearing-In
The dispute arose following the December 7 elections, with results declared by the Electoral Commission at the National Police Training School in Tesano, Accra. On January 2, the court granted a request from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate, Henry Boakye Yiadom, issuing an injunction against the Electoral Commission, Ernest Kumi, and the Clerk of Parliament, thereby halting Kumi’s swearing-in.
The High Court in Koforidua has scheduled Monday, January 6, 2025, to deliver its ruling on the contentious parliamentary election petition for the Akwatia Constituency.
The case, presided over by His Worship Justice Senyo Amedahe, took an unusual turn when the court sat on Sunday, January 5, to address an application by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate, Ernest Kumi. Kumi’s legal team sought to overturn an earlier injunction that barred him from being sworn in as the Member of Parliament-elect for Akwatia.
The dispute arose following the December 7 elections, with results declared by the Electoral Commission at the National Police Training School in Tesano, Accra. On January 2, the court granted a request from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate, Henry Boakye Yiadom, issuing an injunction against the Electoral Commission, Ernest Kumi, and the Clerk of Parliament, thereby halting Kumi’s swearing-in.
Legal Arguments
NPP counsel Gary Nimako Marfo challenged the injunction, arguing it was improperly filed and based on a flawed petition. According to Marfo, election results can only be contested within 21 days after being officially gazetted, a legal provision he insists was not adhered to in this case. He called on the court to not only annul the injunction but also dismiss the entire petition.
On the other hand, the NDC’s legal representative, Mintah Larbi, remained optimistic about the court’s decision, asserting that their case highlights critical irregularities in the Akwatia election. “We have full confidence in the judiciary and believe our submissions have demonstrated the injustice we aim to rectify,” Larbi stated.
Implications
The Akwatia seat is among the most contested in the Eastern Region and could hold significant implications for parliamentary dynamics. As tensions mount, both parties await the court’s decision, which could either uphold the injunction, paving the way for further legal battles, or dismiss it, allowing Kumi to take his seat in parliament.
Justice Senyo Amedahe’s ruling on January 6 is expected to bring clarity to the contentious matter, potentially setting a precedent for future election disputes in Ghana.
Source: GhanaFeed.Com
