Former Adansi Asokwa Member of Parliament (MP), K.T. Hammond, has suffered a setback in his legal battle challenging the 2024 parliamentary election results. The Obuasi High Court, under Justice Frederick Kwabena Twumasi, dismissed the election petition filed by Hammond against the current MP, Godwin Animli Dorgbadzi Dorani.
The court's decision stemmed from K.T. Hammond's repeated absence from court proceedings. Justice Twumasi noted that Hammond and his legal team had failed to appear on four consecutive occasions. Consequently, the court not only dismissed the case but also imposed a fine of GH¢60,000 on the former MP, payable to the defendant, Mr. Dorani.
Speaking with Adom News, Godwin Animli Dorgbadzi Dorani expressed his satisfaction with the court's ruling. He recounted that, following his victory in the 2024 elections, K.T. Hammond disputed the results from 13 polling stations, seeking their annulment and a subsequent re-run of the election.
Richard Ahdi, the lawyer representing K.T. Hammond, acknowledged the financial burden the repeated absences had placed on his client. He revealed that he had requested the court to award GH¢150,000 in costs, but the judge ultimately decided on GH¢60,000.
Implications of the Ruling
This ruling solidifies Godwin Animli Dorgbadzi Dorani's position as the MP for Adansi Asokwa. It also raises questions about K.T. Hammond's approach to the legal challenge and the reasons behind his repeated absences from court. The financial penalty adds another layer of consequence to the dismissed petition.
Future Political Landscape
The Adansi Asokwa constituency has witnessed intense political competition between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). This legal battle underscores the high stakes involved in Ghanaian parliamentary elections. How this outcome will impact future political dynamics in the constituency remains to be seen.