Court of Appeal Bars Peter Amewu from Holding Hohoe MP Status Pending Appeal

The Court of Appeal sitting in Koforidua has granted an interlocutory injunction restraining John Peter Amewu from presenting himself as the former Member of Parliament (MP) for the Hohoe Constituency. This decision follows an application filed by Professor Margaret Kweku and other residents from the Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lolobi, and Likpe (SALL) traditional areas, who are contesting the legitimacy of Mr. Amewu’s election.

Background of the Legal Dispute

In the 2020 general elections, residents of the SALL areas were excluded from participating in the parliamentary vote due to administrative decisions by the Electoral Commission. This exclusion led to legal challenges questioning the validity of Mr. Amewu’s election as MP for Hohoe. The Ho High Court initially dismissed the petition on July 29, 2024, citing a lack of jurisdiction. Subsequently, the petitioners filed a notice of appeal on July 31, 2024, and an application for an interlocutory injunction on December 23, 2024.

Court’s Ruling

The three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice Bright Mensah and including Justices Noble Nkrumah and Hafisata Amaleboba, found the application for the injunction to be meritorious. The court’s decision not only restrains Mr. Amewu from holding himself out as a former MP but also prohibits the Speaker of Parliament from processing or disbursing any entitlements due to him in that capacity, pending the outcome of the appeal.

Legal Arguments

Representing the petitioners, legal practitioner Mr. Tsatsu Tsikata argued that in the interest of justice, Mr. Amewu should be restrained from receiving any recognition or benefits as a former MP until the appeal is resolved. Conversely, counsel for Mr. Amewu contended that his client had not acted improperly and suggested that any fault lay with the Electoral Commission for allegedly misleading Mr. Amewu.

Implications

This ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over the representation of the Hohoe Constituency. It underscores the judiciary’s role in addressing electoral disputes and upholding the rights of disenfranchised communities. The case continues to draw national attention as it progresses through the appellate system.

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