The Supreme Court of Ghana has annulled the re-collated parliamentary election results for Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, and Techiman South, overturning the Electoral Commission’s (EC) declarations for these constituencies.
Judicial Ruling on Re-Collation
The decision, delivered in Accra on Friday by Justice Gabriel Pwamang, followed the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) legal challenge to a controversial High Court order issued on December 20, which had directed the EC to re-collate results in nine disputed constituencies.
Justice Pwamang explained:
“Since the orders which have been brought to be quashed are separate and distinct, we have decided to exercise our discretionary power to quash by certiorari having regard to the peculiar circumstances of each ruling. Consequently, we hereby quash the orders of mandamus made for collation of results by the EC in the following constituencies: Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, and Techiman South.”
Upheld Results
The Supreme Court upheld the re-collated results for Nsawam Adoagyiri and Ahafo Ano South West, leaving them unaffected by the ruling.
Dispute Over Re-Collation Process
The Electoral Commission had implemented the High Court’s directive in seven of the nine constituencies, all won by New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidates. Results for Dome/Kwabenya and Ablekuma North remain unresolved.
The NDC has vehemently opposed the re-collation process, arguing that the High Court’s directive was unlawful and undermined electoral transparency and integrity.
Broader Implications
This landmark ruling underscores the judiciary’s critical role in addressing electoral disputes and enforcing constitutional and procedural standards. It is expected to have significant political ramifications, as stakeholders and constituents closely monitor further developments.
The ruling has intensified the legal and political debates surrounding Ghana’s electoral process, highlighting the challenges of ensuring fair and transparent elections in a polarized environment.
