Former MP for Hohoe, John Peter Amewu
The Court of Appeal sitting in Koforidua has granted an interlocutory injunction in a case brought by Professor Margaret Kweku and others from the SALL traditional areas, effectively restraining John Peter Amewu from presenting himself as the former Member of Parliament for the Hohoe Constituency.
In its ruling, the court barred the former lawmaker from holding himself out in any capacity as a former MP in the 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic, according to a report by myjoyonline.com.
“The Court also restrained the Speaker of Parliament from processing or paying any entitlements to Mr. Amewu as the former MP, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal,” the report noted.
The order further extended to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, who has been restrained from disbursing any benefits or entitlements due to Peter Amewu in that capacity until the appeal is resolved.
This development follows a July 29, 2024, decision by the Ho High Court, presided over by Justice Owoahene Acheampong, which dismissed an election petition against Amewu’s 2020 election, citing lack of jurisdiction.
The petitioners subsequently filed a Notice of Appeal on July 31, 2024, challenging the dismissal. The application for the interlocutory injunction was filed at the Court of Appeal on December 23, 2024.
Leading the argument for the injunction, legal practitioner Tsatsu Tsikata urged the court to act in the interest of justice by restraining the Speaker from recognising or compensating Peter Amewu while the appeal is pending.
Counsel for Peter Amewu defended his client, arguing that Amewu acted based on the guidance of the Electoral Commission and should not be penalised for actions that fall under the Commission’s purview.
The three-member panel, chaired by Justice Bright Mensah and supported by Justices Noble Nkrumah and Hasata Amaleboba, found merit in the application and granted the injunction, the report indicated.
JKB/MA
After the heavy rains over the weekend, a lot of debris have been left across many parts of Accra. Watch some of the destruction below:
