Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, the former Chairman of the Electoral Commission, has proposed imposing punitive sanctions on individuals whose election petitions are unsuccessful in order to discourage frivolous petitions and streamline the electoral dispute resolution process. During his address at the Constitutional Day Public Lecture, Dr. Afari-Gyan argued that imposing punitive sanctions on unsuccessful petitioners would serve as a deterrent and prevent individuals from rushing to court with election-related disputes without substantial grounds. The proposal, discussed at an event organized by UPSA Law School and the One Ghana Movement, aims to promote a more efficient and effective electoral dispute resolution system. Dr. Afari-Gyan expressed his concern about the pressure and reputational damage that quick petitions can have on the courts. He used Nigeria as an example, highlighting the over one thousand election petitions currently pending before the courts following the 2023 elections. He emphasized the need to prevent a similar situation in Ghana. In order to discourage the trend of rushing to court with improbable election petitions, Dr. Afari-Gyan suggested that unsuccessful petitions should face punitive sanctions. This, he believes, will encourage individuals to carefully consider the merits of their case before initiating legal proceedings, leading to a more judicious use of the legal system. Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Dr. Kwadwo Afari Gyan admonishes NDC to return to IPAC
Dr. Kwadwo Afari Gyan, former Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC), has called on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to reconsider their decision to boycott the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC). The NDC had withdrawn from participating in IPAC after the 2020 general elections, alleging bias from the EC in favor of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and election result manipulation. Giving his address at the 3rd Annual Conference of the NDC Lawyers Association in Akosombo, Dr. Afari Gyan highlighted the value of IPAC as a platform for political parties. He urged the NDC to re-engage with the committee and emphasized the benefits it offers. According to Dr. Afari Gyan, IPAC plays a significant role in enabling political parties to understand and contribute to the crucial activities carried out by the Electoral Commission. It provides a forum to address the concerns of political parties and contribute to the development of subsidiary legislation. “I appeal to the NDC to return to IPAC. Even if your ideas are not adopted, please participate and make your ideas heard. In some cases, IPAC is the platform for stakeholder dialogue, aiming for a shared ownership of the electoral system,” he appealed. Dr. Afari Gyan emphasized that Ghana’s electoral system offers numerous avenues for political parties to participate in activities that foster transparent and just elections.









