The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised strong objections to the planned swearing-in of three New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament-elect for the Okaikwei Central, Tema Central, and Techiman South constituencies. The individuals in question—Patrick Yaw Boamah, Charles Forson, and Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah—were declared winners following a High Court-ordered collation of results conducted by the Electoral Commission (EC).
Justice Srem Sai, a member of the NDC legal team, voiced concerns over what he described as legal and procedural violations in the process leading to the declaration. Speaking on Citi FM's Breakfast Show on Monday, January 6, 2025, Srem Sai argued that proceeding with the swearing-in would contravene constitutional protocols and undermine judicial processes.
He revealed that the NDC had filed an appeal seeking a stay of execution against the court order that initiated the re-collation. This appeal, which had been formally served on the Electoral Commission, effectively placed the process under judicial review.
“I do not understand why anyone would suggest proceeding with the swearing-in under these circumstances,” Srem Sai said. “We appealed for a stay, and this has been served on the EC. Conducting the re-collation after being notified of our application constitutes a breach of lawful orders.”
The EC's affidavit opposing the NDC’s application for a stay of execution further complicates matters. According to Srem Sai, continuing with the swearing-in before resolving the legal dispute over the election results would violate the court’s authority and the rule of law.
“Our position is clear: until the legal ambiguities surrounding the elections are resolved, the three MPs-elect should not be sworn in. Any action to the contrary will lack legal legitimacy,” he emphasized.
The contested seats have become a flashpoint in the aftermath of the 2024 general elections, with the NDC questioning the fairness of the results and the subsequent re-collation process. The party contends that the legal processes must be fully exhausted before the MPs-elect can assume their positions in Parliament.
As the nation watches closely, this legal battle underscores the critical importance of upholding due process in Ghana’s democratic framework. The NDC has vowed to pursue all available legal avenues to ensure that justice is served and that the sanctity of the electoral process is preserved.
The swearing-in of the 9th Parliament is expected to proceed soon, but whether the three NPP MPs-elect will take their oaths alongside their colleagues remains uncertain, as the legal tussle continues. This development adds a layer of tension to the already charged political climate in the country.
By addressing these issues through legal channels, the NDC aims to reinforce public confidence in Ghana’s electoral and judicial systems, ensuring that the principles of fairness and justice are upheld in the country’s democratic journey.
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