The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Amenfi Central, Joana Gyan Cudjoe, has received court approval to proceed with her candidacy in the December 7 general elections. This decision follows a ruling by the Sekondi High Court’s commercial division, presided over by Justice Gyan-Konto, which vacated an injunction previously issued against her candidacy. This clearance means her name and photo can now appear on the ballot prepared by the Electoral Commission, ensuring her inclusion in the upcoming parliamentary race.
Joana’s candidacy had faced several challenges after five individuals questioned her eligibility, leading to the injunction. The court ordered that both parties meet to settle their disputes regarding her eligibility, with a hearing initially scheduled for November 11. However, despite attempts to resolve the matter out of court, a settlement was not reached. Edudzi Tamakloe, the lawyer for Joana Gyan Cudjoe, stated that the plaintiffs and defendants attempted to negotiate before the hearing date, but an agreement could not be achieved.
The legal arguments centered on the plaintiffs’ claim that Joana was not eligible to run as the NDC candidate in the Amenfi Central constituency. They had originally filed an injunction request to prevent her name from appearing on the ballot. However, this attempt was dismissed, leaving the primary focus on the court’s ruling regarding her eligibility to contest. In response, the NDC, named as the second defendant in the case, argued that the party’s internal structure allowed her to run, challenging the plaintiffs’ claims.
On November 11, both parties arrived at court early, around 8:50 a.m., ahead of the scheduled hearing at 9:15 a.m. Justice Gyan-Konto was prepared to rule on the case, and a decision was expected by all present. Isaac Adjei Mensah, the Member of Parliament for Wassa East, attended the court session in support of Joana, joined by other party executives and NDC members, who rallied to show their solidarity. This turnout underscored the significant backing Joana has received from within her party, with support extending from the national to the constituency level.
The Sekondi High Court ultimately ruled in Joana’s favor, lifting the injunction and allowing her name to appear on the Electoral Commission’s official ballot. The Electoral Commission is now mandated to include her on the notice of poll for the Amenfi Central constituency, solidifying her position as the NDC’s candidate.
In a subsequent interview, Edudzi Tamakloe, Joana’s lawyer, expressed gratitude for the court’s decision, emphasizing the significance of transparency and fairness in the electoral process. He stated that now that the injunction has been vacated, the Electoral Commission must act promptly to add Joana’s name and photo to the official ballot, aligning with the court’s ruling.
“We appreciate the court’s verdict, which aligns with the principles of fairness. The injunction was the sole basis for questioning Joana’s eligibility, and since it is no longer in place, we urge the Electoral Commission, especially Chairperson Jean Mensa, to act quickly in reinstating Joana Gyan Cudjoe’s eligibility and including her on the ballot. We are grateful for the Electoral Commission’s presence in court, as they are now fully informed of the court’s decision,” Tamakloe stated.
In light of this development, Joana Gyan Cudjoe has called on her supporters to remain calm and continue their efforts in the campaign. She expressed her gratitude to her legal team, the NDC, and her supporters for standing by her through this challenging period. The court ruling has re-energized her team, and she looks forward to moving forward with her campaign activities.
Reflecting on her journey, Joana shared a heartfelt message with her supporters, saying, “I am deeply thankful to God for this outcome. I am especially grateful to my new legal team, whose dedication and expertise were instrumental in achieving this victory. This experience has shown me that sometimes the people we trust can let us down, but I am grateful for the unwavering support from my constituents and the NDC. Together, we can now focus on our campaign and the upcoming election. Thank you all for standing by me.”
The court’s decision has provided Joana with the opportunity to resume her campaign activities with a renewed sense of purpose. She plans to launch her campaign soon and is expected to prioritize addressing the concerns and aspirations of her constituents as part of her campaign platform. Joana’s supporters have expressed optimism, viewing the court ruling as a victory not only for Joana but also for the NDC in the Amenfi Central constituency.
With her candidacy now confirmed, Joana Gyan Cudjoe will join other parliamentary candidates in the December 7 election, hoping to secure a victory for herself and the NDC. Her journey reflects a determination to overcome obstacles, and her supporters remain committed to rallying behind her as she moves forward
