NDC Secures Injunction Against Swearing In Of Akwatia NPP MP-Elect

The Koforidua High Court in Ghana’s Eastern Region has issued an interim injunction preventing Ernest Kumi, the Member of Parliament-elect for the Akwatia constituency, from being sworn into office. This ruling follows legal challenges concerning the outcome of the parliamentary elections in the constituency.

Election Results and Controversy

Ernest Kumi, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was declared the winner of the election three weeks ago by the Electoral Commission (EC). According to the EC’s results, Mr. Kumi garnered 19,269 votes, surpassing his closest competitor, Henry Boakye-Yiadom of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who received 17,206 votes.

However, the declaration of results was marred by procedural delays and disputes. The final announcement took place at the National Police Training School in Tesano, Accra, after multiple failed attempts to conclude the collation in the Eastern Region.

Legal Action by NDC Candidate

Dissatisfied with the results, Henry Boakye-Yiadom filed a lawsuit against the EC, Ernest Kumi, and the Clerk to Parliament. In his suit, Mr. Boakye-Yiadom alleged irregularities in the collation process and sought an injunction to bar Mr. Kumi from assuming office.

Court’s Ruling

After reviewing the case, the Koforidua High Court granted the injunction, effectively halting the upcoming swearing-in process. The court’s order explicitly restrains Mr. Kumi and relevant authorities from proceeding with any activities that would formalize his position as the MP for Akwatia.

In the court’s ruling, it stated:

“The respondents, their representatives, agents, servants, and all privies are restrained from proceeding to call, admit, register, swear in, recognise, or gazette the 1st respondent (Ernest Kumi) as the elected Member of Parliament for the Akwatia constituency.”

Furthermore, the court directed Mr. Kumi to abstain from presenting himself as the MP-elect.

Implications for Parliamentary Proceedings

This development introduces uncertainty into the parliamentary representation for Akwatia as the legal battle continues. The case underscores the broader challenges of electoral transparency and accountability, which remain critical to Ghana’s democratic process.

Both parties await further proceedings to resolve the dispute and determine the legitimacy of the election results.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com