The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) is gearing up to hold parliamentary primaries in the Asante Mampong constituency on 17 February.
This follows the dismissal of an interlocutory injunction by the Court of Appeal against the conduct of the primaries. The legal dispute, triggered by some dissatisfied party members contesting the validity of polling station elections, has been ongoing since February 2022.
Led by Kofi Sarpong, the plaintiffs secured a fresh suit challenging the conduct of the 27 January primary in that constituency. They argued that the current voter album cannot be used to run the elections. However, a three-member panel led by Justice Georgina Mensah-Datsa dismissed the application on Wednesday (14 February).
The latest ruling paves the way for the party to proceed with fresh parliamentary elections in the constituency. Alhaji Agyei Malik, the Mampong constituency secretary of the NPP gives additional information on the latest development.
“The case was dismissed by the court because the plaintiffs did not produce enough evidence and so the judges went ahead to dismiss the case after their counsel admitted that their case had no merit. As we speak the party has set 17 February for the conduct of the elections. The constituency elections committee has also confirmed this date. All relevant stakeholders including polling station executives have been duly informed”, Malik said.
“We believe that this is not a win for certain people and vanquish for others. The onus lies on those people claiming victory to extend an olive hand to the other side and bring them on board. I believe it will be difficult but once the commitment is there, we will be able to sail through, have a united front ahead of the 2024 general election”, he added.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Osei Abu-Bonsra, counsel for the plaintiffs, expressed his dissatisfaction with the court’s ruling while emphasising his respect for the decision. Despite this sentiment, he indicated that they would explore other legal avenues.
“I am not satisfied with the ruling, but I respect the decision of the court. I will advise my clients on our next steps as we have other options to consider. We can appeal to the Court of Appeal or even the Supreme Court, and we can also seek a review. We have not exhausted all available channels yet”, he said.
Reporting By Jonathan Ofori, Appeals Court Complex, Ashanti Region
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