• Metascholar News Portal
• News , Politics
• December 28, 2024
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• 2 minutes Read

Supreme Court Asserts Authority: Halts High Court’s Re-Collation Order in Electoral Dispute

December 25, 2024 – The Supreme Court of Ghana recently overturned a High Court decision regarding the Electoral Commission’s (EC) directive on re-collation of results in disputed parliamentary constituencies. This landmark judgment illustrates the judiciary’s critical role in shaping Ghana’s democratic and electoral landscape. The High Court had ordered a re-collation of results in certain constituencies following disputes surrounding parliamentary elections. The EC, tasked with managing electoral processes, had planned the re-collation as part of its mandate to ensure transparency and fairness. However, the Supreme Court, acting on appeals, stayed the High Court’s directive. This move has broader implications for the balance of power among Ghana’s judiciary, legislature, and independent institutions like the EC. By stepping in, the Supreme Court asserted its authority as the ultimate arbiter in constitutional and electoral disputes​ The decision was delivered by a panel of five eminent justices led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. The panel included experienced judges such as Mariama Owusu, Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Ernest Yao Gaewu, and Yaw Darko Asare, each with a wealth of experience in both constitutional law and governance. Chief Justice Torkornoo, who has been pivotal in adjudicating past election-related cases, emphasized the importance of adhering to the Constitution and ensuring fairness in electoral processes. This ruling not only halts the re-collation process but also provides a legal framework for resolving electoral disagreements​ This case highlights the judiciary’s role in Ghana’s electoral integrity. By halting the re-collation, the Supreme Court underscored its role as a check on the decisions of lower courts and independent institutions. The judgment also sets a precedent for future election-related disputes, signaling that such matters must be carefully aligned with constitutional provisions. For the EC, the decision reflects the need to navigate electoral management within the bounds of judicial oversight, ensuring inclusivity and compliance The Supreme Court’s ruling reaffirms its position as the ultimate guardian of constitutional principles in Ghana. It emphasizes the necessity of upholding due process and protecting the democratic rights of citizens. While the judgment has halted the immediate re-collation, it underscores the enduring importance of judicial oversight in maintaining trust in Ghana’s democratic processes. This ruling may prompt further dialogue on how electoral disputes are managed in the future​