The High Court has issued a mandamus order compelling the Electoral Commission (EC) to complete the collation of results from two outstanding polling stations in Tema Central.
This ruling follows a legal application by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which also addressed similar collation issues in Okaikwei Central, Techiman South, and Ablekuma North.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) had objected to the court’s jurisdiction over the matter, but the High Court dismissed their challenge, allowing the case to proceed.
Gary Nimako, the lead counsel for the NPP, argued that the EC had failed to finalize the collation process in Tema Central between December 8, 2024, and January 1, 2025. He insisted that the Commission must fulfill its constitutional duty to complete the electoral process in the affected constituencies.
The situation in Tema Central has been particularly contentious. Initially, the EC declared Ebi Bright of the NDC as the winner.
However, a subsequent re-collation process resulted in Charles Forson of the NPP being declared the victor. The EC cited security threats to its staff in Tema Central as the reason for delays in completing the collation.
To ensure the process proceeds smoothly, the court also directed the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akufo-Dampare, to provide sufficient security for the collation exercise.
Reacting to the ruling, legal expert Clara Kassel-Tee explained the significance of the decision: “The High Court has granted the application for mandamus regarding Tema Central because collation was incomplete. Two polling station results were still outstanding.
It is clear that without completing collation, a declaration cannot be made. This ruling ensures the integrity of the electoral process.”
She further emphasized the importance of adhering to the court’s decision: “Everyone should respect the ruling. If there are disagreements, the proper channels should be followed. Fairness demands that the collation be completed if it was left unfinished.”
