High Court wraps up hearings on 4 disputed seats, judgment due January 4

An Accra High Court has concluded hearings on disputed parliamentary elections in four constituencies: Tema Central, Okaikwei Central, Techiman South, and Ablekuma North.

After hearing arguments from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the Electoral Commission (EC), the court will deliver its judgment on Saturday, January 4, at 12 noon.

Counsel for the NPP, Gary Nimako, argued that the collation process was chaotic and incomplete, with results from two polling stations unaccounted for in Tema Central.

The EC supported this stance, requesting a directive to complete collation.

However, NDC counsel Edudzi Tamakloe insisted that a declaration was already made, and any challenge should be pursued through an election petition, not a mandamus application.

In Okaikwei Central, the NPP’s Patrick Boamah claimed that only 110 of 148 polling stations were considered in declaring the NDC’s Baba Sadiq as the winner.

The EC aligned with Boamah, asserting the need for a proper collation.

The NDC opposed, arguing that any disputes over the declaration must follow election petition procedures, as the EC had already discharged its duties.

In Techiman South & Ablekuma North,  Gary Nimako requested that the court review evidence and documents to address issues in these constituencies. While the EC raised no objections, the NDC called for separate arguments, citing unique issues requiring individual attention.

The court’s verdict is expected to clarify the legitimacy of the results and address procedural controversies, setting the stage for potential electoral and legal precedents.