Amewu alleged to have intentionally prolonged SALL case.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Volta Region has accused John-Peter Amewu, the Member of Parliament for Hohoe, of intentionally delaying the court case challenging the legitimacy of the December 2020 election in his constituency.

Approximately 17,000 voters from the Santrofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) enclave—comprising 13 communities—were unable to participate in the 2020 parliamentary elections and currently lack representation in the 8th Parliament due to the creation of the Oti Region from the Volta Region.

Five residents from SALL petitioned the High Court in Ho to annul the parliamentary election that resulted in John-Peter Amewu becoming MP. Amewu entered the hearing late and, at the last session, introduced three new issues to the case, which the NDC in the region alleges is a tactic to delay proceedings.

In a media address, James Gunu, the Volta Regional Secretary of the NDC, accused Amewu of intentionally prolonging the court case.

“The Electoral Commission and the MP who benefited from this act of disenfranchisement have colluded against the people of SALL, seeking to buy time so that Peter Amewu can complete his term in office.

“This case has been ongoing for four years now, and it’s crucial that the court delivers a swift verdict. We cannot afford to approach the 2024 elections with unresolved issues that could lead to further disenfranchisement through administrative measures by the EC.”

In contrast, John-Peter Amewu’s lawyer, Benedict Kofitse, maintains that the new applications are not intended to delay the proceedings.

“We are in court applying the rules and the new applications that we have filed are not deliberate with the intention to delay proceedings. We are only moving within the express stipulation of the court.”