The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has officially disqualified Philip Appiah Kubi, the newly appointed flagbearer of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), from participating in the upcoming December 2024 presidential election.
This decision, announced by EC Chair Jean Mensa at a press conference on Tuesday, November 12, follows a thorough review of Kubi’s nomination documents that revealed various discrepancies and legal violations.
The GFP has faced significant challenges in recent weeks, beginning with the sudden passing of its founding leader and original flagbearer, Akua Donkor, on October 15. Donkor’s unexpected death left the party in a scramble to nominate a replacement within a very short period. Acknowledging the urgency and the unique situation, the Electoral Commission granted the GFP a 10-day window to nominate a new candidate, resulting in the selection of Kubi. However, the party’s hope of staying in the presidential race was short-lived, as the EC’s examination of Kubi’s nomination documents uncovered numerous issues.
According to Jean Mensa, while some of the discrepancies were minor and could be corrected, others were more serious and involved fundamental legal violations that could not be resolved through simple amendments. The EC, which is responsible for upholding the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process, has a zero-tolerance policy toward illegalities in nomination documentation. Jean Mensa emphasized that despite the EC allowing the GFP time to address and correct some of the discrepancies, the nature of certain irregularities in Kubi’s form was unacceptable under Ghanaian electoral law, ultimately leading to the EC’s decision to disqualify him from the presidential race.
Among the issues identified were irregularities that went beyond mere clerical mistakes, according to Mensa. While specific details regarding the precise nature of these irregularities were not disclosed in her statement, the EC Chair underscored the Commission’s firm stance on enforcing electoral laws strictly, regardless of the circumstances faced by any candidate or party. By disqualifying Kubi, the EC is reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a transparent and lawful electoral process, Mensa noted, reiterating that the Commission’s role in upholding Ghana’s democratic principles leaves no room for tolerance toward any form of electoral malpractice.
This decision marks a substantial setback for the GFP, which has faced a difficult period following Akua Donkor’s passing. Donkor, a well-known political figure in Ghana, had established the party and remained its central figure and leader until her unexpected death. The GFP’s leadership and supporters were hoping that Kubi’s nomination would provide stability and continuity in the party’s mission. However, with the EC’s disqualification of Kubi, the GFP is now left without a presidential candidate in the December 2024 election, which may significantly impact the party’s political presence and influence moving forward.
The disqualification of Kubi has stirred reactions from political observers and supporters of the Ghana Freedom Party. Some believe that the EC’s decision underscores the necessity of rigorous scrutiny in the electoral nomination process, especially when a party is making last-minute adjustments to its candidate lineup. Others, however, feel that the GFP’s unique circumstances might have warranted a more lenient approach from the EC, particularly given the extraordinary situation following Donkor’s untimely passing.
Despite these mixed sentiments, the EC has stood by its ruling, reinforcing the importance of adhering to the legal standards established for all political parties and candidates.
As the election draws nearer, this case has highlighted some of the complexities that can arise within Ghana’s political landscape. With the GFP unable to field a replacement candidate in time, the party’s supporters may find themselves without a clear representation in the presidential race.
This outcome may also prompt Ghanaian political parties to ensure that they have contingency plans in place to handle unexpected events, such as the sudden loss of a key leader, to avoid similar complications in the future.
The EC’s decision further reflects Ghana’s commitment to democratic integrity, a principle that has shaped its electoral policies over the years. For many, this disqualification serves as a reminder of the significance of procedural and legal adherence within Ghana’s electoral system. The EC, under Jean Mensa’s leadership, has repeatedly emphasized that maintaining electoral integrity is not just about ensuring fairness in candidate eligibility but also about safeguarding the trust and confidence of Ghanaian citizens in the democratic process.
As such, the Commission’s approach to enforcing electoral laws is intended to ensure that all parties, regardless of their size or influence, are subject to the same standards.
This disqualification also underscores the responsibilities placed upon political parties in preparing their candidates for nomination. With Ghana’s electoral system becoming increasingly vigilant, parties are expected to conduct rigorous internal checks and verifications before submitting documentation to the EC. For the Ghana Freedom Party, the fallout from this disqualification could lead to a re-evaluation of its internal processes to prevent similar issues in future electoral cycles.
In conclusion, the Electoral Commission’s decision to disqualify Philip Appiah Kubi from the December 2024 presidential election underscores its unwavering commitment to upholding legal and procedural standards in Ghana’s electoral process. The GFP’s unique and challenging situation following Akua Donkor’s passing did not exempt it from compliance with electoral regulations.
By standing firm in this ruling, the EC has sent a clear message about the importance of maintaining integrity and legality, reinforcing Ghana’s democratic foundations and establishing a precedent for future electoral procedures. The disqualification also serves as a cautionary tale for other political entities, emphasizing the necessity of comprehensive candidate vetting and adherence to legal standards in all aspects of the nomination process.
