By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party, Richard Ahiagbah has warned against the growing tendency to shift electoral disputes from polling stations to courtrooms, saying such practices could weaken confidence in Ghana’s democracy.
Appearing on ‘Current Agenda’ on GTV, Mr. Ahiagbah said elections should primarily be decided by voters, with courts playing a limited role in safeguarding constitutional rights rather than determining political representation.
He argued that issues raised about alleged voter numbers at polling stations including claims of over 1,400 votes at some locations should be directed at the Electoral Commission, not weaponised to nullify an election result through litigation. “At any material time, elections should not become the domain of the court. It should be the will of the people as expressed,” he said.
Mr. Ahiagbah maintained that while the New Patriotic Party (NPP), respects the judicial process, excessive judicial intervention in electoral outcomes risks eroding public trust in democratic institutions and electoral management bodies.
He reiterated that the party’s position is not about celebrating victory or defeat, but about ensuring that constitutional rights , including the right to appeal, are respected at all times.
According to him, the Supreme Court’s intervention to suspend proceedings has reaffirmed the importance of constitutional order and due process, which he believes ultimately strengthens Ghana’s democracy.
