Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has leveled fierce accusations against Ghana’s judiciary, suggesting judges are bowing to political influence following a Tamale High Court decision that nullified the 2024 parliamentary election in the Kpandai Constituency.
Court Orders Rerun in Kpandai
On Monday, the court ruled in favor of a petition filed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Daniel Nsala Wakpal, agreeing that the December 7, 2024, election was tainted by significant irregularities. The court subsequently mandated a fresh election (rerun) within 30 days.
Afenyo-Markin Calls Conduct ‘Shameful’
Speaking to reporters in Parliament on Wednesday, November 26, Mr. Afenyo-Markin expressed his outrage, strongly condemning the court’s actions and accusing judges of serving the interests of “paymasters.”
“The judiciary must know that their actions and inaction to serve the interests of whoever their paymaster is have the tendency of destroying our peaceful republic. We will not mince words. They can conspire to call us one by one for a so-called contempt of court. We are criticising their shameful conduct. We are not afraid. We are ready to be in Nsawam for their so-called contempt. The world will see their disgraceful conduct,” he declared.
Unprecedented Ruling Delivery Questioned
The Effutu MP further attacked the manner in which the ruling was delivered, labeling it as legally problematic and unprecedented for a case of this magnitude.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin questioned how a judge could issue an order with “massive political, legal, and democratic consequences” without roviding a full written judgment. He noted the public was simply given a “naked directive” for a rerun, lacking “written reasons, no factual findings, no legal analysis.”
While acknowledging that courts occasionally give rulings with reasons to follow, the Minority Leader stressed that this practice is an exception and “is never acceptable when the stakes are this high.”
Allegations of Prior Knowledge
Adding to his concerns about the judicial process, Mr. Afenyo-Markin alleged that the NDC had knowledge of the court’s decision before it was officially pronounced, suggesting a troubling lack of transparency and fairness.
