Amenfi Central NDC parliamentary candidate, Joana Gyan Cudjoe, is cleared to contest in the December 7 general elections after the Sekondi High Court’s commercial division, presided over by Justice Gyan Konto, vacated the injunction against her.
This ruling comes after a series of allegations questioned her eligibility. The court’s decision allows her name and picture to appear on the Electoral Commission’s ballot.
The Sekondi High Court’s commercial division, led by His Lordship Justice Gyan-Konto, ordered the plaintiffs and defendant to resolve their disputes regarding Joana Gyan Cudjoe’s eligibility as Amenfi Central constituency NDC parliamentary candidate on November 7.
Five individuals challenged her candidacy, resulting in an injunction. The court scheduled a hearing for November 11, but attempts to settle outside of court were unsuccessful, according to Edudzi Tamakloe, the first defendant’s lawyer.
On November 11, both parties arrived at 8:50 am, ahead of the 9:15 am scheduled hearing. Justice Gyan-Konto was prepared to make a ruling as planned.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC), as the second defendant, argued that their party structure contradicts the public constitution, while contesting the plaintiffs’ application for an injunction.
However, the plaintiffs’ lawyer countered that the issue of Joana Gyan’s eligibility remains unresolved. Initially, the plaintiffs had requested an injunction to prevent Joana Gyan from appearing on the ballot, but that was dismissed.
The main issue at hand is now the application to dismiss the injunction challenging Joana Gyan Cudjoe’s eligibility.
Isaac Adjei Mensah, the Member of Parliament for Wassa East Constituency, showed his support for Joana Gyan Cudjoe by attending court alongside other party sympathizers, including national, regional and constituency executives. This display of solidarity demonstrates the strong backing Joana Gyan Cudjoe has within the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Justice Gyan-Konto of the Sekondi High Court has ruled in favor of Joana Gyan Cudjoe, vacating the injunction that previously prevented her name and picture from appearing on the electoral commission’s notice of poll. This decision comes after a heated argument between lawyers for both the plaintiffs and defendants
As a result, the electoral commission is now required to immediately add Joana Gyan Cudjoe’s name to the notice of poll, paving the way for her to contest in the upcoming elections.
The lawyer for the first defendant Edudzi Kudzo Tameklo, emphasized in an interview that now that the injunction has been lifted, the Electoral Commission should do the right thing and add Joana Gyan Cudjoe’s name and picture to the notice of poll.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to the court for its decision. We appreciate the Electoral Commission’s representative presence in court, as they are now aware that the injunction has been vacated”.
“The basis for Joana Gyan Cudjoe’s disqualification was the injunction order, which is no longer valid. We urge Jean Mensa, the Electoral Commission Chairperson, to take the necessary steps to ensure Joana’s eligibility is reinstated, upholding the principles of fairness and transparency,” he cautioned.
Joana Gyan Cudjoe, the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Amenfi Central, is urging her supporters to remain calm and continue their campaign efforts despite the recent challenges. Following the Sekondi High Court’s decision to vacate the injunction against her candidacy, Joana is now cleared to contest in the upcoming elections.
“I’m overjoyed and grateful to God for this positive turn of events. My new lawyers played a crucial role in resolving this matter, and I’m thankful for their expertise. It’s a reminder that those you trust most can sometimes harm you. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my supporters, constituents, and the entire NDC party for standing by me. We’re now focused on moving forward with our campaign launch and the electoral process. Thank you all.” She stated.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
