EC workshop standoff: Sam George considers contempt charges
NDC MP considers taking the Electoral Commission to court for “defying” an injunction by holding a meeting of directors
The MP for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, is this morning considering filing contempt charges against the Electoral Commission for holding a training workshop despite a court injunction.
The EC scheduled a weekend workshop for directors and deputy directors to discuss matters relating to the compilation of a new voters’ register. The venue was to be the Escape Hotel in Prampram, in George’s constituency.
Ex-parte injunction
On 24 April he filed an application at Tema high court, praying the court to injunct the Electoral Commission’s workshop the following weekend.
That same day, a judge of the court, Eugene Nyante Nyadu, granted the ex-parte injunction, restraining the Electoral Commission from holding the workshop in George’s constituency.
“It is hereby ordered that the respondent and all persons claiming through the respondent (EC) refrain from holding the workshop or conference scheduled to take place at the Escape Hotel Prampram from the 24th of April, 2020,” the judgment said.
The injunction was to be effective from Friday 24 April to Monday 27 April.
EC defiant, George displeased
The ruling notwithstanding, the EC went ahead with the training session in Accra, much to the displeasure of the Ningo-Prampram MP.
“What is going in there is an illegality that has been established by the competent court of jurisdiction of the country,” George said. “The Electoral Commission led by Jean Mensa and Bossman Asare are flouting the orders of the court.”
The MP has hinted that he may launch another court action against the EC – this time, a contempt charge against the election management body, for defying a high court order.
“That is an option that is available to us. I am having that conversation already with my lawyers.”
Akufo-Addo is “culpable”
George also accused President Akufo-Addo of supporting the EC’s “illegality”.
“The Electoral Commission is doing what they are doing because they have the tacit approval and support of the Flagstaff House,” he told reporters.
“President Akufo-Addo is endorsing the illegality and irresponsibility of the Electoral Commission – and this is the man who claims to be a doyen of the rule of law.”
Atsu Boye
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