The Sekondi High Court has lifted an injunction that had previously barred Joana Gyan Cudjoe, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Amenfi Central, from contesting the upcoming parliamentary election.
The ruling, delivered on Monday, November 11, marks a victory for the NDC, which had appealed to the court to allow Ms. Cudjoe to participate in the December 7 election.
The case, presided over by Justice George K. Gyan-Kontoh, ended with the court setting aside the injunction and allowing Ms. Cudjoe’s candidacy to move forward.
Earlier, the court had adjourned proceedings after Edudzie Tamakloe, lead counsel for Ms. Cudjoe, requested a review of her disqualification case.
Tamakloe argued that delaying the case any further could risk disenfranchising his client. Justice Gyan-Kontoh had agreed to review the substantive case, emphasizing the need for a prompt resolution and encouraging the parties to consider an out-of-court settlement.
However, despite the judge’s suggestion, both parties were unable to reach an agreement.
Following the court’s decision, Ms. Cudjoe expressed her gratitude to her supporters and legal team.
“We thank God for everything that has happened today, especially also my new lawyers who came in to rescue me… I thank God and all the NDC members, executives, Western Region NDC. I must say I am very happy,” she told journalists.
This ruling clears the way for her to officially join the ballot as the NDC’s candidate for Amenfi Central in December’s elections.
The case initially escalated after the Accra High Court dismissed the NDC’s request to halt the Electoral Commission (EC) from printing ballots for Amenfi Central.
The NDC’s motion sought to delay printing until Ms. Cudjoe’s status was confirmed, but the court ruled that no exceptional grounds existed to prevent the EC from carrying out its duties.
The NDC subsequently appealed to the Sekondi High Court, successfully overturning the previous injunction and ensuring that Ms. Cudjoe’s candidacy is recognized in the upcoming election.
