The Assin Fosu High Court has issued an interlocutory injunction preventing the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) constituency executive elections in Assin South. This court order directly halted the electoral process scheduled for July 12, 2026, in the Central Region.
The injunction resulted from a lawsuit filed by some NPP party members. These members argued that the nomination process for the elections violated the NPP’s constitution, internal rules, and established electoral guidelines. This legal challenge has made existing disagreements among party executives and members in the constituency worse.
This incident reflects a recurring issue of internal disputes within Ghana’s major political parties during their internal elections. Such actions often lead to delays and can affect party cohesion, especially in the run-up to national elections. Similar injunctions and disputes have been observed in other constituencies, indicating broader challenges in managing internal party democracy.
David Kwabena Marfo, the NPP Election Officer for the Nyankumasi Ahenkuro Electoral Area, confirmed the unfolding events. He stated that the local election committee had made all necessary arrangements for the voting. Delegates had gathered at the voting centre when officials received the court order and informed them of the restriction.
The court order immediately prevented both the Electoral Commission and state security agencies from carrying out and supervising the election. This intervention stopped the entire process. Mr. Marfo attributed the court action to unresolved complaints from some aspirants and members after a nomination period ended. He accused the party’s First National Vice Chairman, Smith Danquah, of causing disunity within the constituency.
He called on national party leaders, including the General Secretary, the Steering Committee, and the National Executive Committee, to intervene. This intervention aims to resolve the dispute and restore unity. A number of delegates voiced dissatisfaction with the suspension, believing it harms the party's democratic structures. They also requested immediate action from the national leadership.
The delegates highlighted that Assin South is the only parliamentary seat the NPP holds in that particular area. They warned that ongoing internal conflicts could negatively affect the party's performance in upcoming general elections. Unresolved internal conflicts could weaken the party's electoral chances in a crucial constituency. This situation could shift voter sentiments and impact overall political stability in the region.