The Parliamentary Candidate of the Action People’s Party (APP), David Ankomah, has taken legal action against the Electoral Commission (EC) after being disqualified from contesting in the upcoming Akwatia by-election.
The EC disqualified him on the grounds that he failed to submit a tax clearance certificate before the close of nominations.
In a writ filed at the High Court, Mr. Ankomah is challenging the Commission’s decision and is seeking an order to suspend the by-election until the case is determined.
He contends that the EC gave him unreasonably short notice to provide the certificate, which is issued at the discretion of the Ghana Revenue Authority.
According to him, the Commission only notified the Akwatia District Electoral Officer on August 17, 2025, at 5 PM, demanding the document by the following day instead of directly informing him.
The APP candidate maintains that he had already completed all nomination processes, including balloting for his position on the ballot paper, before receiving the late request.
He and his party further allege that the EC’s action was influenced by malice and fraud, describing it as an attempt to unlawfully exclude him from the race.
Despite his protests, the EC upheld its decision to disqualify him.
The plaintiffs are therefore asking the court to declare that Mr. Ankomah met all requirements to contest, set aside what they describe as a wrongful administrative act, and reinstate him on the ballot.
They are also seeking a perpetual injunction to prevent further interference with his candidacy.
