Supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Amenfi Central constituency have accused the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of manipulating the Electoral Commission (EC) to disqualify their parliamentary candidate, Madam Joana Gyan.
The party members expressed their frustrations during a protest, claiming that Gyan was seen as a significant threat to the NPP’s chances in the upcoming elections. They urged the EC to reconsider its decision, labeling it as politically motivated and lacking any substantial basis.
The EC disqualified Joana Gyan following a court-issued Order for Interlocutory Injunction dated May 31, 2024.
This injunction is part of a lawsuit titled Gyedu Frimpong & 4 Others vs. Joana Gyan Cudjoe, the National Democratic Congress, and the Electoral Commission (Suit No. E12/36/24), filed in the Sekondi High Court.
The court has ordered that Gyan cannot present herself as the NDC candidate until the case is resolved.
Additionally, the EC has been instructed to deny her any rights or privileges associated with her candidacy for the Amenfi Central parliamentary seat.
“In this regard, we write to inform you that you have been disqualified from standing as a candidate for election to Parliament in your constituency,” the statement signed and issued by Deputy Commissioner in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey, said.
The NDC supporters expressed their disappointment in the EC, emphasizing the urgency for the electoral body to reverse its decision without delay.
“We are alarmed by the apparent collusion between the Electoral Commission and the government aimed at disqualifying our candidate, Joana Gyan, thereby preventing her from contesting. Our constituency lawfully elected her as a parliamentary candidate, and any disqualification would be unwarranted. We hereby notify that her exclusion would lead to our non-participation in the elections.
“Following a disputed initial election, Joana Gyan secured a decisive victory in the NDC-organized rerun. Our findings indicate that the Electoral Commission is working in tandem with the NPP to disqualify her, largely due to her substantial contributions to the constituency, which make her the likely parliamentary election winner. We will vigorously resist any disqualification attempts lacking merit.”
“…We are confident in our candidate’s victory in the parliamentary election, and we will not let unjust tactics undermine her success. If the election is fair and we lose, we will graciously accept the outcome. However, we will vigorously oppose any attempts to disqualify her on unfounded grounds, said the leader of the concerned NDC members.”