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The Koforidua High Court has dismissed a parliamentary election petition filed by former Suhum MP, Kwadjo Asante, describing the case as unmeritorious and unsupported by credible evidence of electoral irregularities.
Speaking after the ruling on Thursday, December 18, the Member of Parliament for Akuapim North, Sammi Awuku, said cross-examination by lawyers for the respondents exposed major inconsistencies and weaknesses in the petitioner’s claims, leaving the court with no basis to overturn the election results.
The court subsequently awarded GH¢200,000 in costs and damages against Kwadjo Asante, rejecting his request for a lower amount after the respondents had sought GH¢500,000 to cover expenses incurred during the year-long trial.
According to Sammi Awuku, the court held that the petition lacked substance and failed to meet the legal threshold required to annul the election. He noted that although the petitioner proposed GH¢50,000 as costs, the court exercised its discretion and granted GH¢200,000 in favour of the respondents.
Kwadjo Asante, who contested the 2024 parliamentary election as an independent candidate, had asked the court to annul the Suhum results and order a fresh poll. However, the court ruled that the declaration of Frank Asiedu Bekoe, also known as Protozoa, as the duly elected Member of Parliament must stand.
Frank Asiedu Bekoe won the election with 16,855 votes, defeating the NDC’s Prince Kwadwo Addo Tabiri, who polled 15,259 votes, while Kwadjo Asante secured 14,860 votes.
