The Supreme Court of Ghana has made a landmark decision; annulling the re-collated parliamentary election results for four constituencies: Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, and Techiman South. This ruling effectively overturns the Electoral Commission's (EC) re-collation and subsequent declarations for these areas, which have been at the center of intense legal and political disputes.
The EC had previously rejected the collated results for Ablekuma North and Okaikwei Central due to irregularities recorded during the collation and declaration process. In Okaikwei Central, the winner was declared without results from 31 polling stations, while in Ablekuma North, results from 62 polling stations were omitted. The EC Chair, Jean Mensa, described these actions as "illegal" and stated that such declarations cannot be upheld.
However, the Supreme Court's ruling does not affect the re-collated results for Nsawam Adoagyiri and Ahafo Ano South West, which remain valid and upheld. This decision highlights the judiciary's critical role in addressing electoral irregularities and ensuring adherence to constitutional and procedural requirements.
The implications of this ruling are significant, as it underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and fairness in the electoral process. It also demonstrates the independence and impartiality of the judiciary in Ghana, which is essential for maintaining public trust and confidence in the democratic process.
BACKGROUND STORY:
The Supreme Court of Ghana today, Friday, December 27, 2024, heard a crucial case filed by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), challenging a High Court ruling that directed the Electoral Commission (EC) to re-collate parliamentary election results in nine disputed constituencies.
The disputed constituencies include Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, Techiman South, Dome/Kwabenya, and others. The High Court's decision was in response to a mandamus application filed by New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidates in the affected areas.
The High Court ordered the EC to verify and re-collate results in the contested constituencies, citing the EC's constitutional mandate to do so. However, the NDC strongly opposes this decision, arguing that the High Court overstepped its jurisdiction and that its directive undermines transparency, procedural fairness, and the integrity of the electoral process.
As of now, the EC has completed the re-collation process in seven of the nine constituencies, but results for Dome/Kwabenya and Ablekuma North remain outstanding.
The NDC describes the re-collation process as "illegal and baseless," and the party's challenge to the High Court ruling is a significant development in the ongoing electoral dispute.
The Supreme Court's decision on this matter will have significant future implications for the electoral processes in Ghana.
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