High Court Dismisses NDC's Objection to NPP's Mandamus Application

Accra, Ghana - January 01, 2025 - A significant ruling by Ghana's High Court has paved the way for a crucial hearing in the ongoing election dispute between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The court dismissed the NDC's objection to its jurisdiction, allowing the hearing of the NPP's Mandamus application to proceed 

The court's ruling, delivered by Justice Forson Agyapong, paves the way for the hearing of the Mandamus application, which is expected to commence in the coming days.

At the heart of the dispute is the Electoral Commission's (EC) handling of election results in several constituencies, including Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, and Tema Central. The NPP, through its lawyer, NPP lawyer Gary Nimako had challenged the EC's initial declarations in favour of the NDC, sparking a contentious legal battle.

The NDC had argued that the NPP's application was an attempt to circumvent the proper process for contesting election results, without following the proper process outlined in sections 16 and 20 of the Representation of the People Law (PNDCL 284) as amended.

However, the court rejected this argument, holding that the NPP's application was not an election petition, but rather an attempt to ensure that the EC fulfils its constitutional duties.

Justice Forson Agyapong emphasized that the core issue was the EC's failure to perform its constitutional duty, and that the court had the jurisdiction to hear the matter.

Source: Lead News Online