Joana Gyan’s disqualification is an effort by the EC to gift the seat to NPP – NDC

The General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fiifi Kwetey, has expressed concern over the Electoral Commission’s decision to disqualify the party’s candidate for Amenfi Central, Joana Gyan Cudjoe.

During a press conference on Thursday, October 17, 2024, he criticized the move as a deliberate effort to undermine the NDC in the upcoming elections. Kwetey also accused the Commission of bias towards the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), alleging that the actions in Amenfi Central are part of a strategic plan to secure a parliamentary majority for the NPP.

He labeled the disqualification of Joana Gyan as a ploy by the Electoral Commission to hand over the Amenfi Central seat to the NPP, similar to the situation in Hohoe with Peter Amewu. “This is not mere incompetence; it is deliberate, unlawful conduct that is premeditated,” he stated.

Fiifi Kwewtey made it clear that the NDC will not back down in its fight.

“The EC is at war with the NDC and will fight to a logical conclusion. The NPP’s stronghold in the constituency is perceived as enabling them to wield power without accountability.

We aim to challenge this notion and assert that such behavior is misguided. The EC is engaged in a conflict with the NDC, a situation that we did not seek but are committed to pursuing until its conclusion. We are advocating for more than a mere seat in the legislature.

We are engaged in a struggle to protect the fundamental principles of our democratic society. The inherent right of each citizen in Ghana. “We will not permit the continuation of this court document,” declared Fifi Kwetey.

He elaborated on the fact that the NDC had initiated legal proceedings to contest Joana Gyan’s disqualification. “The necessary court filings have been submitted, and we have sought an injunction to prevent the EC from distributing poll notices or proceeding with any additional election-related actions in Amenfi Central.”

While the court case remains unresolved. “The litigation process is just one aspect of this ongoing conflict. The NDC is rallying our supporters to stand up in defense of our democracy,” he proclaimed. He also alleged that the Commission is trying to prevent the people from having representation in parliament.

“This bold effort to deprive the people of Amenfi Central of their right to representation cannot and will not be accepted.”

The NDC, a political party built on principles of justice, equity, and democracy, cannot stand by passively as the EC, a state entity charged with protecting our electoral system, transforms into a partisan tool for the ruling NPP. The current situation represents a serious assault on the foundational elements of our democracy.

The erosion of the voters’ right to freely choose their representatives is acknowledged as an orchestrated plot to weaken the NDC in crucial constituencies and subvert the people’s will.

The disqualification of Joana Gyan is viewed as a ploy by the EC to favor the NPP in the Amenfi Central constituency. “The injunction should not be considered as a conclusive decision,” he clarified.

Despite the expiration of the injunction, he contended that the Electoral Commission proceeded to disqualify Joana Cudjoe, thereby infringing upon the party’s rights. He criticized the EC for what he described as an egregious demonstration of incompetence, recklessness, and lack of good faith in disqualifying Joana Gyan Cudjoe. Their actions are grounded in a no longer relevant expired injunction.

“On what basis was Joana Gyan disqualified, and what legal justification was provided for this decision? Is partisanship clouding your judgment?

This course of action is not only legally questionable but also poses a significant threat to the future of our democratic system. We have invalidated the previous injunction. “This is a clear injustice and an infringement on the rights of our candidate and the people of Amenfi Central,” he expressed.

On October 16, 2024, the Commission disclosed this ruling, referencing an ongoing legal matter challenging Joana Gyan’s qualification to stand for the NDC in the 2024 national elections.