The High Court in Koforidua has delivered its final verdict in the contentious legal battle over the Nsawam/Adoagyiri parliamentary seat, firmly upholding the victory of incumbent Member of Parliament, Frank Annoh-Dompreh. Presiding over the case, Justice Addae dismissed the election petition lodged by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), effectively putting an end to their challenge of the election results. This decision followed a successful application presented by Gary Nimako Marfo, the Director of Legal Affairs for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which the court meticulously reviewed and subsequently endorsed. The ruling brings a sense of finality to the protracted dispute, solidifying Annoh-Dompreh’s position as the legitimate representative of the Nsawam/Adoagyiri constituency in Parliament.
The NDC’s legal challenge stemmed from their contention that the declaration of Annoh-Dompreh’s victory was predicated on flawed result sheets and a breach of established electoral procedures. The party had staunchly maintained that the election process was compromised and had vowed to exhaust all available legal avenues to overturn the results. Their petition, spearheaded by NDC parliamentary candidate Fummey Selorm Philibert and his legal team, directly questioned the validity of the Electoral Commission’s declaration in favor of Annoh-Dompreh. They argued that irregularities in the collation and tabulation of votes had unfairly disadvantaged their candidate and skewed the final outcome.
Prior to the final ruling, the court had taken steps to ensure all parties were duly notified and given the opportunity to respond to the allegations. On February 25, a substituted service order was issued, summoning Annoh-Dompreh, the Electoral Commission, and the Clerk of Parliament to appear before the court and address the claims presented in the petition. This procedural step underscored the court’s commitment to a fair and transparent legal process, allowing all involved parties to present their arguments and evidence.
However, in a decisive and unequivocal ruling delivered on April 10, Justice Addae dismissed the NDC’s petition in its entirety. Not only did the court uphold Annoh-Dompreh’s victory, but it also imposed a significant cost of GH₵25,000 against the petitioner. This financial penalty underscores the gravity of the court’s decision and serves as a deterrent against frivolous legal challenges. The ruling effectively silenced the NDC’s claims of electoral malpractice, clearing the way for Annoh-Dompreh to continue his parliamentary duties without the cloud of legal uncertainty hanging over him.
With the court’s decision, the protracted legal tussle over the Nsawam/Adoagyiri parliamentary seat has finally reached its conclusion. The ruling unequivocally affirms Annoh-Dompreh’s status as the duly elected Member of Parliament, putting an end to the challenges mounted by the NDC. This outcome reinforces the integrity of the electoral process and underscores the importance of respecting the decisions of the judiciary. The constituency can now move forward with its elected representative, focusing on governance and development rather than being embroiled in legal disputes.
The High Court’s decision is a significant development in Ghana’s political landscape, providing a clear and decisive resolution to a closely-watched electoral dispute. The ruling not only validates Annoh-Dompreh’s victory but also sends a strong message about the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the outcomes of democratic processes. The case serves as a reminder that legal challenges must be based on substantial evidence and not merely on unsubstantiated allegations. The imposition of costs against the petitioner further emphasizes the need for responsible litigation and discourages frivolous lawsuits that can undermine the integrity of the judicial system. With this matter now settled, the Nsawam/Adoagyiri constituency can focus on moving forward and addressing the needs of its constituents.
