📍 The Court of Appeal sitting in Koforidua has granted an interlocutory injunction restraining John Peter Amewu from holding himself out as the former Member of Parliament (MP) for Hohoe Constituency, pending the outcome of an appeal filed by residents of the SALL traditional areas—Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi.

⚖️ Ruling Details

The court’s decision also bars the Speaker of Parliament from processing or disbursing any entitlements or benefits to Mr. Amewu in his capacity as a former MP until the final determination of the appeal.

🗣 “The application has merit,” ruled the three-member panel chaired by Justice Bright Mensah, with Justices Noble Nkrumah and Hasata Amaleboba concurring.

📅 Timeline of Legal Dispute

• July 29, 2024: The Ho High Court, presided over by Justice Owoahene Acheampong, dismissed the initial petition challenging Mr. Amewu’s election on grounds of jurisdiction.
• July 31, 2024: Plaintiffs, including Prof. Margaret Kweku of the SALL areas, filed a Notice of Appeal.
• December 23, 2024: An application for interlocutory injunction was submitted.

👥 Background of the Case

The plaintiffs from the SALL traditional areas argue that their exclusion from the 2020 parliamentary elections in Hohoe constitutes a breach of their democratic rights. They contend that Mr. Amewu’s election was illegitimate since voters from their areas—historically part of the constituency—were unable to participate.

🧑‍⚖️ Counsel for Amewu Responds

Legal representatives for John Peter Amewu argued in court that he had committed no personal wrongdoing, stating that any alleged procedural errors lie with the Electoral Commission and not the MP himself.

Despite these arguments, the Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the plaintiffs and granted the interlocutory injunction, pending full determination of the appeal.

📝 What This Means

The ruling temporarily invalidates Mr. Amewu’s post-parliamentary status and suspends any compensation or benefit payments due to him as a former legislator—signaling a potential shift in how unresolved electoral disputes are addressed at higher judicial levels.