Professor John Osae-Kwapong, a Democracy and Development Fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has welcomed the Supreme Court’s intervention in the Kpandai parliamentary re-run case, calling the decision both timely and necessary.
Speaking on JoyNews' *AM Show*, Osae-Kwapong explained that the case raised important constitutional questions that required the attention of the nation’s highest court.
“This case concerns the interpretation of a specific constitutional provision, and when that happens, it is only appropriate for the highest court of the land to step in,” he said.
He particularly praised the court's decision to instruct the Electoral Commission (EC) to halt any further actions regarding the planned re-run until the legal issues surrounding the case are resolved.
“I particularly like the directive to the EC to hold on until these critical matters are sorted,” he remarked.
Osae-Kwapong cautioned that proceeding with the re-run without resolving these legal uncertainties could lead to unnecessary complications. “There are certain actions that, once taken, are difficult to undo. It’s better to wait for clarity to avoid creating further mess,” he added.
The Supreme Court’s ruling came after a challenge was filed against a Tamale High Court decision that annulled the results of the December 7, 2024 parliamentary election in Kpandai and ordered a re-run. The applicant, NPP parliamentary candidate Matthew Nyindam, argued that the High Court had wrongly assumed jurisdiction and requested the Supreme Court to review and overturn the judgment.
Osae-Kwapong acknowledged that the case touches on an ongoing legal debate regarding whether the filing of an appeal or stay of execution automatically restrains the actions of a constitutional body such as the Electoral Commission.
While he had no specific expectations, Osae-Kwapong expressed his appreciation for the Supreme Court’s decision to pause the re-run until these legal issues are clarified. He believes this action helps prevent confusion and safeguards the integrity of the electoral process.
Source: MyNewsGh.com
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