Ejisu By-Election in Ghana Halted by CPP Lawsuit Over Candidate Dispute

The Convention People's Party (CPP) has filed an interlocutory injunction application to halt the upcoming Ejisu by-election in Ghana, scheduled for April 30, 2024. The lawsuit, initiated by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the CPP, Emmanuel Gallo, challenges the candidacy of Esther Osei, who is purportedly representing the CPP in the by-election.

The CPP claims that it formally communicated its decision not to participate in the by-election to the Electoral Commission (EC) on April 18, 2024. The party asserts that the selection of a parliamentary candidate for the Ejisu Constituency should involve a Constituency Branch Party Conference and approval from the Central Committee, as mandated by the party's constitution. However, the CPP alleges that these processes have not occurred in the case of Esther Osei or any other candidate.

The party seeks a declaration from the High Court affirming that the party's Central Committee has not endorsed Esther Osei or any other candidate for the Ejisu Constituency by-election, and requests the court to grant an injunction against the by-election until the party's claims and demands are adjudicated.

Why this matters: The outcome of this legal action could influence the CPP's preparation for the December 7 elections, as the party's internal dynamics and its relationship with the EC could be affected.

The CPP's counsel, Wayoe Ghanamannti, submitted to the Supreme Court that there is a serious question to be tried regarding the breach of the CPP's Constitution in the selection of its parliamentary candidate. The Ejisu by-election was triggered by the passing of the NPP Member of Parliament, Dr. John Kumah, with the NPP having selected Kwabena Boateng as their candidate, while the NDC has opted out of the by-election, redirecting its focus towards preparations for the upcoming general elections in December.

Key Takeaways

• CPP files injunction to halt Ejisu by-election, challenges CPP candidate selection.
• CPP claims it formally communicated decision not to participate in by-election to EC.
• CPP seeks court declaration that its Central Committee did not endorse any candidate.
• Outcome could impact CPP's preparation for December 7 elections, party's dynamics with EC.
• NPP has selected Kwabena Boateng as their candidate, while NDC opted out of by-election.