The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, has criticized the Electoral Commission (EC) for what the party describes as an unjust disqualification of Joana Gyan Cudjoe, the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for the Amenfi Central constituency.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, he outlined the events leading to the controversy and defended the party’s actions in selecting Joana as its candidate.
He recounted that on May 13, 2023, the NDC held parliamentary primaries in Amenfi Central, where Joana Gyan Cudjoe emerged victorious over her competitor, Peter Yaw Kwaakye Ackah. However, dissatisfied individuals challenged the legitimacy of the election, filing a case at the Sekondi High Court. As a result, the court granted an interlocutory injunction temporarily preventing Joana Gyan Cudjoe from holding herself out as the elected candidate until the case could be fully heard.
He emphasized that the injunction was a temporary measure, not a final verdict, and did not determine the validity of the election. However, due to the court’s vacation period, the matter could not be resolved promptly, creating a significant delay in the NDC’s preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Faced with these challenges, the party’s Functional Executive Committee took what it called a “prudent decision” to annul the May 2023 primaries and hold new elections.
He noted that fresh primaries were held on September 8, 2024, with only Joana Gyan Cudjoe and the incumbent MP Peter Kwakye Ackah participating.
He stressed that the election process adhered to all party rules and was conducted transparently under the supervision of the Electoral Commission.
He noted that ,Joana Gyan Cudjoe emerged victorious again, solidifying her position as the party’s candidate without objections from any party members.
According to the NDC, the September primaries effectively nullified the May contest, affirming Joana’s legitimacy as the party’s parliamentary candidate. The party insists that its decision to hold new elections was necessary to meet electoral timelines and ensure that the Amenfi Central constituency was not left without a candidate due to court-related delays.
He said the EC’s disqualification of Joana Gyan Cudjoe, calling it a disregard for fairness and due process. The NDC maintains that the September 8 election outcome is valid and demands that the EC recognize Joana Gyan Cudjoe as the rightful candidate for Amenfi Central.