The Koforidua High Court Judge, His Lordship George Krofa Addae, has recused himself from the Fanteakwa North parliamentary election cases, citing personal ties to the parties involved.
The judge disclosed that as a native of Begoro, the district capital of Fanteakwa North, he has longstanding friendships with executives of both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), some of whom frequently visit him.
The matter has now been referred to the Chief Justice for reassignment, with the case adjourned indefinitely.
The dispute arose following a contested parliamentary election in Fanteakwa North.
Kwame Appiah Kodua, the NPP candidate, was declared the winner after a re-declaration by the Electoral Commission (EC) at its Tesano office in Accra. The re-declaration overturned an earlier result that had favored the NDC’s Haruna Appau Wiredu.
Lawyers Isaac Minta Larbi Esq. and Benard Bediako Esq. filed an injunction seeking to prevent the EC from gazetting and transmitting Mr. Kodua’s name to Parliament.
A similar injunction was served on the Clerk of Parliament, barring Mr. Kodua from being sworn in as MP.
Justice Addae’s decision to step aside means the injunction against Kwame Appiah Kodua remains in effect.
Lawyer Isaac Minta Larbi confirmed that the NPP MP-elect will not be sworn in until the case is reassigned and resolved.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
