The Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) has officially disqualified Joana Gyan Cudjoe, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Amenfi Central, from participating in the upcoming 2024 elections.

The disqualification stems from an Order for Interlocutory Injunction issued by the High Court in Sekondi on May 31, 2024. The court order restrains Cudjoe from holding herself out as the duly elected NDC parliamentary candidate for Amenfi Central until the final determination of the matter.

The court case, Gyedu Frimpong & 4 Others vs. Joana Gyan Cudjoe, the NDC, and the Electoral Commission, revolves around allegations that Cudjoe forged her voter ID and NDC party card. Five applicants – Gyedu Frimpong, Akubilla Daniel, Enock Ntiamoh, Isaac Twum, and Doris Aidoo – filed the suit against Cudjoe, the NDC, and the EC.

In a letter dated October 10, 2024, Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman of Operations, informed Cudjoe of her disqualification. The Commission stated that it is bound by the court order, which has neither been stayed nor vacated.

Cudjoe’s disqualification effectively bars her from contesting the Amenfi Central parliamentary seat in the 2024 elections. The NDC will need to select a new candidate to represent the party in the constituency.

The decision highlights the EC’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process.