NDC Seeks Stay of Execution on High Court Mandamus Orders

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has filed a motion seeking a stay of execution on the mandamus orders issued by the High Court in Accra.

The orders, granted on Saturday, January 4, 2025, by Justice Forson Baah Agyapong, respectively directed the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to collate and declare the results of parliamentary elections in Techiman South, Okaiwei Central, Ablekuma North, and Tema Central, with adequate armed security provided.

The NDC, along with its candidates—Dr. Christopher Baasongti Beyere, Ewurabena Augunn, Baba Sadiq, and Ebi Bright—who joined the suit as interested parties, has returned to the same court to challenge the execution of the orders.

Proceedings and Absence of Applicants

During the hearing listed for today, the applicants, Charles Forson, Patrick Yaw Boamah, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, and Martin Adje-Mensah Korsah, all affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), along with their counsel, Gary Nimako Marfo, were absent.

Similarly, the NDC candidates were not present when the case was called.

Service Challenges

Counsel for the EC, Justine Amenuwor, revealed to the court that while he had filed an affidavit in response to expedite the case, he was not properly served with court documents.

He stated that the documents were left with his watchman around 5:55p.m. on Saturday, January 4, and only came to his attention after church on Sunday.

The Chief Bailiff of the court was summoned to explain the lack of proof of service. She disclosed that the bailiffs assigned to serve the documents reported difficulties in accessing the solicitors of the applicants and the Clerk of Parliament.

“I called them this morning to confirm if they had served the documents, but they told me the applicant’s solicitors’ office was closed, and they could not gain access to the Clerk of Parliament,” the Chief Bailiff informed the court.

Justice Agyapong directed the Chief Bailiff to address the lapses in service, stating, “As you said, deal with them.” The hearing was subsequently adjourned to Monday, January 13, 2025.