The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has firmly rejected the Electoral Commission’s (EC) directive to conduct a rerun of parliamentary elections in 19 polling stations across the Ablekuma North constituency.
The declaration was made by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong during a press conference held Thursday, July 3 .
According to the EC’s July 2 statement signed by Deputy Chairman of Operations, Samuel Tettey—the rerun followed discussions with both the NPP and NDC on July 1. The EC contends the polling station results were not verified by presiding officers, although they were approved by party agents.
However, the NPP strongly countered this justification, insisting that the EC is performing a “sudden U‑TURN” on the Ablekuma North process. They say the High Court mandated only the completion of collation, not a rerun.
NPP Cites High Court Mandamus
Citing a High Court ruling from January 4, 2025, the NPP reminded that only three polling station results remained outstanding––not 19. The EC reportedly collated 59 of the 62 outstanding results between December 21, 2024 and January 2025, in the presence of party agents .
Furthermore, NPP Deputy General Secretary Haruna Mohammed affirmed there was “no law in Ghana” granting the EC authority to order reruns—not even the Constitution, PNDCL 284, or C.I. 127 .
Alleged Political Pressure from NDC
The NPP alleged that the EC’s decision succumbed to pressure from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). Party officials noted threats from NDC’s national chairman and other government figures to “reset” the EC and judiciary . Former Eastern Regional Minister Seth Acheampong argued the EC “should not bow” to NDC.
Ruling Party Accuses NPP of Fear
Meanwhile, NDC-aligned spokesman Nii Lante Vanderpuye accused the NPP of resisting the rerun because of a fear of defeat, not principle. He argued:
“If the NPP claims these polling stations are their stronghold, then why are they afraid? … Whoever wins, wins.”
Stakes and Next Steps
The EC has scheduled the rerun for Friday, July 11, 2025. It is expected to deploy police for security and commission assurances of a free and transparent process. The NPP has responded by filing a legal challenge, calling the EC’s action “unlawful, capricious and arbitrary,” while reiterating that its candidate, Hon. Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, holds a narrow lead of 34,613 votes to 34,199 .
The question now is whether the EC will proceed despite the NPP’s legal objections and public outcry including from civil society, religious leaders, and traditional authorities. Observers warn the dispute could set a concerning precedent for future elections.
Source: www.kumasi.mail.com
