Oppong Nkrumah alleges NDC intimidating judges over Kpandai election ruling

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, MP for Ofoase Ayirebi and former Minister of Information, has accused the ruling NDC of exerting pressure on judges, suggesting the party is attempting to influence the judiciary for political gain.

Speaking on Nhyria FM’s “Kuroyimunsem” morning show on Wednesday, Oppong Nkrumah described the recent Tamale High Court decision to annul the 2024 Kpandai parliamentary election as “a test of democratic maturity.” He claimed political interference from the NDC has compromised judicial independence, calling it “dangerous to Ghana’s democratic governance.”

“The law states that after parliamentary election results are declared, an aggrieved candidate has 21 days to challenge the outcome in court. Until the court rules, the declared winner continues to serve as MP. No court should have entertained the NDC candidate’s case because the filing period had expired,” he said.

The Ofoase Ayirebi MP linked the ruling to alleged government intimidation of judges, pointing to the recent removal of the Chief Justice as evidence of a climate of fear. “Judges now hesitate to rule against the government, fearing removal. This undermines judicial integrity and increases the likelihood of appeasing the government rather than upholding the law,” he added.

Oppong Nkrumah called on the judiciary to act independently and courageously, emphasising that courts are the ultimate guardians of the Constitution and the rule of law.

The comments follow the November 24, 2025, ruling by Tamale High Court, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Brew Plange, which nullified the Kpandai parliamentary election results and ordered a fresh poll within 30 days. The case was filed by NDC candidate Daniel Nsala Wakpal, who alleged irregularities in 41 of the 152 polling stations.

The ruling has sparked political debate, with the NPP Minority criticising the decision, while the NDC maintains that it represents a legitimate judicial outcome.