The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has lauded the Supreme Court’s ruling to nullify re-collation orders for parliamentary election results in four key constituencies—Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, and Techiman South. The decision marks a significant moment in Ghana’s electoral dispute resolution process, underscoring the importance of judicial oversight in maintaining electoral integrity.
On Friday, December 27, the Supreme Court, led by Justice Gabriel Pwamang, delivered the much-anticipated judgment. The court determined that the re-collation orders issued for the four constituencies by lower courts were legally untenable.
“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,” Justice Pwamang stated.
He further clarified, “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.”
Notably, the court upheld the re-collation results in two other constituencies—Nsawam Adoagyiri and Ahafo Ano North—leaving those outcomes unchanged.
Speaking shortly after the ruling, Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, a member of the NDC’s legal team, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing its broader implications for the rule of law and electoral fairness.
“This ruling is a victory for the rule of law,” she stated. “It reinforces the need for transparency and adherence to due process in resolving electoral disputes. We are generally satisfied with the court’s decision.”
Appiah-Oppong also outlined the next steps, highlighting that the NDC will file an affidavit opposing the application for mandamus in the four constituencies by Monday, as directed by the court. The hearing is scheduled to take place on Tuesday.
The Supreme Court’s ruling not only affirms the NDC’s position in the contested constituencies but also sets a precedent for handling similar disputes in the future. The decision to uphold the results in Nsawam Adoagyiri and Ahafo Ano North, while nullifying re-collation in other constituencies, demonstrates a careful consideration of the unique circumstances in each case.
As the NDC prepares for the next steps in its legal battle, the party has reiterated its commitment to protecting the sanctity of Ghana’s electoral process. Meanwhile, political analysts suggest that the ruling could have broader implications for future electoral reforms, particularly in how disputes over parliamentary results are managed.
This latest development adds another layer of complexity to Ghana’s vibrant democratic process, reinforcing the judiciary’s role as a critical arbiter in resolving electoral disputes.
