A High Court in Sefwi Wiawso, Western North Region, has stopped the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) constituency executive elections in Bibiani. This halt is pending a court decision on an application for an interlocutory injunction.
Justice Oliver Atsu Abadain issued the order on Friday, July 10, 2026. Seven plaintiffs, including Ben Kumi and Peter Tanya Kyemalo, filed the lawsuit. They named key NPP officials and Electoral Commission (EC) regional officers as defendants.
This judicial intervention comes at a critical time for the NPP. The party is reorganising its constituency structures nationwide. Such delays can disrupt preparations for upcoming national political activities. Data on past internal party conflicts show that legal challenges often slow down electoral processes. This can affect party cohesion and readiness for general elections.
The court document revealed that an earlier application sought to dismiss the suit. This application argued that the plaintiffs failed to use the party's internal dispute resolution mechanisms. Benjamin Armah filed an affidavit supporting this dismissal on July 6, 2026. However, the plaintiffs filed an affidavit opposing this dismissal on July 9, 2026.
The judge dismissed the motion to strike out the suit. This allowed the application for an interlocutory injunction to move forward. The court has given the 4th defendant time to file an opposition affidavit to the injunction motion. This will ensure that the case is heard fully on its merits.
The court explicitly ordered a freeze on the constituency executive elections. No elections will occur until the pending injunction application is decided. This legally binding order ensures that no further steps are taken in the election process. It prevents any actions that could make the court’s final decision meaningless.
The case will return to court on July 17, 2026. On this date, the court will hear the interlocutory injunction application. The decision will determine when or if the Bibiani NPP constituency executive elections can proceed. Party members and citizens alike will watch this development closely.
This situation adds to a pattern of internal party disputes impacting election timelines. Similar issues have sometimes led to significant delays in other political organisations. Such delays can cost parties financially and impact overall public perception regarding internal democracy. Maintaining a clear and fair internal electoral process is crucial for political stability. It also impacts the public’s confidence in the political system.