Bernard Mornah, the flagbearer for the People’s National Convention (PNC) in the upcoming 2024 elections, has voiced his profound discontent following the High Court’s dismissal of his lawsuit against the Electoral Commission (EC), which disqualified him from the presidential race. In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News, Mornah condemned the ruling, labeling it as emblematic of a broader “appalling decay” within the judicial system. This sentiment reflects Mornah’s growing concern regarding the diminishing standards of justice in Ghana, especially as he and ten other presidential aspirants were disqualified due to alleged errors in their nomination forms. His critique indicates a broader unease among political figures regarding the integrity and efficacy of Ghana’s electoral processes.
In his analysis, Mornah contended that the EC’s actions were hypocritical, arguing that while he was disqualified for perceived inaccuracies in his nomination form, the EC itself had committed similar errors in the forms of both presidential and parliamentary candidates without facing any repercussions. He expressed disbelief that the EC would disregard its own lack of meticulousness when judging the submissions of candidates. Mornah’s frustration stems from the apparent inconsistency in standards applied by the EC, prompting questions about fairness and justice within Ghana’s electoral framework. This reflects a growing disillusionment with regulatory bodies tasked with ensuring democratic processes.
Mornah’s disqualification, which he views as politically motivated, raises significant questions about the foundations of democracy in the country. He emphasized that the ruling serves not only to undermine his candidacy but also to pose a risk to the overall democratic environment in Ghana, suggesting that the judiciary’s failure to uphold principles of fairness could lead to an erosion of democratic norms and potentially tip the nation towards an “anarchy-like” state. The implications of these sentiments extend beyond individual candidates, resonating with the broader electorate’s trust in the electoral system and judicial oversight.
Following the ruling, Mornah stated his intention to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the High Court’s decision. This next step indicates his commitment to pursuing justice and his determination to advocate for what he perceives as rightful participation in the electoral process. His resolve exemplifies a broader trend among political figures in Ghana who, amidst frustrations with judicial outcomes, pursue every legal avenue available to them. Mornah’s comments highlight the need for accessible judicial recourse in electoral matters and an assurance that candidates can contest decisions made by the EC without fear of further marginalization.
Moreover, Mornah’s criticisms point to systemic issues within both the EC and the judiciary, suggesting a need for reforms to enhance the transparency and fairness of elections in Ghana. His call for meticulousness from the EC, coupled with his frustrations over judicial processes, underscores a recognition that the integrity of political and electoral institutions is crucial for sustaining democracy. For many observers, these developments accentuate the critical intersection of law and politics in shaping the future of Ghanaian democracy.
In summary, Mornah’s criticisms of both the High Court and the EC reveal deep-seated concerns regarding the integrity of electoral processes in Ghana. As he prepares to challenge the court’s ruling at the Supreme Court, his outspoken advocacy reflects a growing demand for accountability within electoral governance. Mornah’s situation serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities present in the political landscape, highlighting the imperative for both judicial reform and enhanced rigor within the Electoral Commission to ensure fair and inclusive democratic practices in the run-up to the 2024 elections.
