Eight members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Constituency of the Western Region have filed an interlocutory injunction application at the High Court to halt the party’s ongoing polling station elections, intensifying an already volatile internal dispute.
The plaintiffs are seeking an order to restrain the party and its officials from continuing the vetting of aspirants or conducting the polling station elections in the constituency, which they argue breaches party regulations and the rules of natural justice.
Rising Tensions and Allegations of Bias
The legal action stems from weeks of growing unrest within the Tarkwa-Nsuaem NPP, specifically surrounding the vetting of polling station executive aspirants. Dissatisfaction has become widespread, with numerous aspirants reportedly disqualified in an exercise alleged to be arbitrary, opaque, and biased.
Reasons cited for disqualification have further inflamed tensions. These reportedly include minor infractions such as dancing to music associated with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), operating businesses near NDC posters, or supporting parliamentary candidates not favoured by influential local figures.
One aggrieved member recounted being disqualified despite significant contributions to the party, including mobilisation efforts during a visit by former Second Lady Samira Bawumia. This situation has led to questioning the validity of disqualification criteria and loyalty assessments.
Confrontations have reportedly escalated at various polling centres, marked by verbal clashes and accusations of intimidation. Some aspirants claim their submitted documents were tampered with, with signatures allegedly manipulated to justify disqualifications.
Further complicating the situation are complaints from individuals who purchased nomination forms but were never vetted. Officials allegedly claim documents could not be traced, raising serious concerns about transparency and accountability within the process.
Poor communication surrounding the vetting exercise has also been a point of contention, with claims that invitations were issued selectively rather than through public announcement. The composition of vetting committees has also drawn criticism, with allegations that unauthorized individuals participated in decision-making.
Court Intervention and Named Defendants
The eight plaintiffs—Sam Nathaniel Andoh, Samuel Kwaw Blay, Musah Abdul Ali, Charlotte Ghansah, Francis Ntsiful, Eric Bonney, Juliana Eshun, and Memunatu Abubakar Saddick—are specifically asking the court to halt all activities related to the elections, including vetting, organisation, and any associated processes, pending the case’s determination.
Named as defendants in the suit are the New Patriotic Party (NPP) itself, its Western Regional Chairman Francis Ndede Siah, Tarkwa-Nsuaem Constituency Chairman Benjamin Assabill, Constituency Secretary Fuseni Amadu, and the party’s Western Regional Representative for the constituency, Anthony Aidoo, also known as Kwame Armah.
Broader Political Implications
This internal dispute occurs in the shadow of the NPP’s recent parliamentary defeat in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Constituency, the first such loss since 1996. The seat was lost by a considerable margin of nearly 16,000 votes.
Many party members believe the current internal divisions are a direct contributor to the electoral loss. They warn that a failure to address these grievances could further erode the party’s base in the constituency.
Disgruntled members are increasingly threatening to withdraw from party activities or support independent candidates if their concerns remain unaddressed. This sentiment highlights a deep-seated frustration among the rank and file.
One party member from the Agona Electoral Area, identifying himself as Moses, expressed concern that the party risks repeating past mistakes by ignoring internal grievances. Communication platforms within the constituency are reportedly flooded with messages demanding urgent intervention, with accusations that a particular faction is attempting to monopolise party structures.
The resolution of this court case and the subsequent internal restructuring within the Tarkwa-Nsuaem NPP will be critical to watch as the party prepares for future electoral contests. The ability of the NPP leadership to reconcile factions and ensure transparent internal processes will likely determine its strength and cohesion in the region.
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