The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal against the High Court’s ruling mandating the Electoral Commission (EC) to finalize the collation of results in four disputed constituencies—Tema Central, Ablekuma North, Okaikwei Central, and Techiman South—by January 6, 2025.
On January 4, 2025, the High Court granted mandamus applications filed by New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidates in the affected constituencies.
Presiding Justice Forson Agyapong emphasized the legal principles behind the ruling, stating that the applicants had successfully demonstrated failures in the EC’s performance of its public duties.
He detailed that for mandamus to be granted, applicants must prove issues such as jurisdictional errors, breaches of natural justice, or refusal to fulfill a public duty, alongside showing substantial prejudice resulting from inaction.
The court also ordered the Inspector General of Police to provide armed security during the collation exercises to ensure safety and order.
Unhappy with the outcome, the NDC swiftly filed an appeal challenging the court’s orders. The appeal contests rulings issued on both January 1 and January 4, arguing that the High Court’s directives infringe on legal processes and the fairness of electoral outcomes in the disputed constituencies.
The party believes the High Court’s orders, if left unchallenged, set a concerning precedent that undermines the rights of parties involved in electoral disputes.
