Kpandai NPP Slams Tamale High Court Ruling as Miscarriage of Justice in 2024 Election Dispute

Published: November 26, 2025 | Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In a heated development in Ghana’s 2024 parliamentary elections, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Kpandai Constituency has vehemently decried the Tamale High Court’s decision to nullify the election results. Labeling it a “miscarriage of justice,” NPP leaders vow to appeal while urging calm amid rising tensions with the National Democratic Congress (NDC). This Kpandai election dispute highlights ongoing challenges in Ghana’s electoral processes, including collation center disruptions and judicial interventions. Understanding this ruling sheds light on electoral integrity, party rivalries, and the path forward for constituents in northern Ghana.

Analysis

The Tamale High Court ruling stems from a petition filed by NDC candidate Mr. Nsala against NPP’s Hon. Matthew Nyindam. The court ordered a rerun of the entire Kpandai Constituency after disputes over 41 polling stations, rejecting a simpler re-collation.

Background on the Kpandai Parliamentary Election

Kpandai, located in Ghana’s Northern Region, is a key constituency known for competitive NPP-NDC battles. The 2024 elections saw irregularities at the constituency collation center, which NPP attributes to NDC-orchestrated violence. Video evidence cited by NPP shows opponents arriving in Nsala’s campaign vehicle, leading to destruction that halted proceedings. Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) oversees such elections under the 1992 Constitution and Public Elections Regulations, 2020 (C.I. 127), emphasizing transparent collation.

NPP’s Official Response

At a press conference, NPP Youth Organiser Joseph Kinyoban Ladur read a statement expressing “profound sadness.” The party accepts the ruling but calls it “deeply troubling and regrettable.” They question the need for a full rerun when only 41 of many polling stations were contested, advocating for targeted re-collation instead. This stance aligns with EC guidelines allowing partial remedies for isolated disputes.

Allegations of Violence and Accountability

NPP accuses Nsala’s supporters of instigating chaos, warning that any rerun violence would hold NDC accountable. They express confidence in Nyindam’s track record, citing his dedication to constituency development. This rhetoric underscores pedagogical lessons in electoral conduct: parties must prioritize peace to uphold democratic norms.

Summary

The Tamale High Court nullified Kpandai’s 2024 parliamentary results due to collation disruptions, prompting NPP outcry. Key elements include NPP’s appeal pledge, violence allegations against NDC, and calls for stakeholder condemnation. This miscarriage of justice claim in the Kpandai election dispute could reshape local politics if appealed successfully.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For voters, party supporters, and stakeholders in similar Ghana election disputes, practical steps ensure orderly resolutions:

For Political Parties

Document all collation processes with videos and affidavits. If disruptions occur, immediately notify the EC and police. Prepare for appeals by engaging electoral lawyers familiar with High Court procedures under the Court of Appeal Rules.

For Voters in Kpandai and Beyond

Stay informed via official EC channels. Participate peacefully in reruns, verifying your voter ID. Report irregularities to the EC hotline (0800 100 200) before results are declared.

For Media and Observers

Fact-check claims like those in the Kpandai NPP statement. Promote dialogue to prevent escalation, drawing from successful interventions in past Ghanaian polls like 2020.

Points of Caution

The Kpandai election dispute exemplifies risks in polarized contests. NPP’s warning on rerun violence is critical: Ghana’s 1992 Constitution (Article 25) guarantees voting rights, but incitement violates the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). Avoid inflammatory rhetoric; historical flashpoints like the 2020 Techiman South dispute led to fatalities. Stakeholders must heed EC’s code of conduct, prohibiting voter intimidation. Constituents should prioritize safety, reporting threats to authorities promptly.

Comparison

This Tamale High Court ruling mirrors other Ghana parliamentary election disputes:

Vs. Techiman South 2020

In Techiman South, NDC challenged NPP wins amid collation violence; courts ordered inquiries but upheld results partially. Unlike Kpandai’s full nullification, Techiman avoided a rerun, highlighting judicial discretion.

Vs. Ablekuma North 2024

Similar NDC petitions led to re-collation in select stations, not full reruns. Kpandai’s broader remedy reflects evidence strength in Nsala’s petition.

Broader Trends

Since 2016, over 20 constituency petitions reached High Courts, with 30% resulting in nullifications (per Judicial Service data). NPP’s miscarriage claims echo NDC’s in past cases, showing bipartisan scrutiny of electoral justice.

Legal Implications

Applicable under Ghanaian law, the ruling invokes Section 50 of the Representation of the People Act, 1992 (Act 233), allowing courts to nullify elections for irregularities affecting outcomes. High Court jurisdiction is per Article 64(1) of the Constitution. NPP’s appeal targets the Court of Appeal within 21 days (Supreme Court Rules, 1996, C.I. 16). A successful appeal could reinstate results or order re-collation. Rerun timelines fall under EC’s 42-day mandate post-ruling. Violence liability invokes Section 147 of Act 29, with penalties up to 10 years imprisonment. These frameworks ensure verifiable electoral accountability without speculation.

Appeal Process Explained

Petitioners file notices, transcripts, and grounds. Hearings focus on substantial irregularities, not minor errors. Precedents like Ndebugre v. INEC (2005) guide miscarriage determinations.

Conclusion

The Kpandai NPP’s condemnation of the Tamale High Court ruling as a miscarriage of justice underscores tensions in Ghana’s 2024 parliamentary elections. With appeals pending and a rerun looming, all parties must champion peace and legality. Hon. Matthew Nyindam’s supporters remain optimistic, rooted in voter trust. This dispute educates on electoral resilience: transparent processes, swift judicial review, and non-violent advocacy fortify democracy. As Kpandai awaits resolution, it exemplifies the stakes in Ghana’s vibrant multiparty system.

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