NPP Celebrates ‘Reset’ At Supreme Court After Attacks on CJ

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its Minority caucus in Parliament are celebrating what is described as a “reset” within the judiciary under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, following a landmark Supreme Court ruling that overturned a decision ordering a re-run of the parliamentary election in the Kpandai Constituency.

The celebration comes despite the NPP’s sustained criticism of the Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, and the current leadership of the judiciary.

Yesterday, January 28, the Supreme Court, in a 4–1 majority decision, with Justice Gabriel Pwamang dissenting, quashed an order of certiorari issued by the Tamale High Court (Commercial Division) on November 24, 2025, which had annulled the parliamentary election in Kpandai.

The apex court held that the High Court acted without jurisdiction in ordering a re-run of the election and consequently restored the election of Mr Matthew Nyindam, as the duly elected Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency.

“All consequential orders are equally quashed,” the court ruled, adding that it would deliver its full reasons for the decision on February 6, 2026.

Reacting to the ruling, Mr Nyindam said he would return to Parliament to continue serving the people of Kpandai.

Judicial Independence

Political observers say the verdict reflects renewed judicial independence under the government’s broader “reset agenda,” which has been applied across several state institutions, including the judiciary.

In the view of many analysts, the split 4–1 decision underscores a departure from the series of unanimous rulings delivered during the previous NPP administration, verdicts that earned the Supreme Court the public nickname “Unanimous FC.”

Against this backdrop, some observers expressed surprise that NPP members and supporters were seen jubilating after the ruling, despite the party’s earlier attacks on the leadership of the judiciary.

Only days before the judgment, the Minority in Parliament boycotted a scheduled engagement with the Chief Justice at Parliament, following an earlier boycott of his vetting last year.

The Minority accused Justice Baffoe-Bonnie of intolerance and questioned his engagement with state institutions.

“We have noted that the Chief Justice and his management are visiting various ministries, including the Jubilee House. Is he on a ‘thank you tour’? Is my Lord Baffoe-Bonnie appreciating the government for his appointment?” Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin asked while addressing the media.

He added: “As he heads to Parliament today, we, as the Minority, do not see him as a tolerant head of the judiciary. Members of the Minority were attacked when we criticised the processes leading to his nomination.

“We will therefore not be part of his so-called thank you tour. If he wants to engage with us, he should come to our offices, and we will outline the issues we have with him.”

Ruling Vindicates Legal Process

The Director of Legal Affairs of the NPP, Mr Gary Nimako Marfo, described the Supreme Court’s decision as clear, emphatic and final.

According to him, the apex court had decisively settled the legal issues surrounding the case.

“The Supreme Court has spoken emphatically that the decision of the Tamale High Court was made without jurisdiction, and so the court has quashed it,” he said.

“Honourable Nyindam remains the MP for the people of Kpandai. That position is maintained.”

Mr Nimako Marfo stressed the need for respect for judicial outcomes, noting that the rule of law requires all parties to accept court decisions once the legal process has been exhausted.

“When matters go to court, the decision goes one way or the other. Once the court has spoken, that should be it,” he added.

Case Not Over – NDC

However, the Majority Chief Whip and MP for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, cautioned the NPP against assuming that the legal battle over the Kpandai seat had ended.

Reacting to the ruling, he said the matter remained open pending the filing of the court’s full judgment.

“The NPP shouldn’t think that it is over. It is not over,” Mr Dafeamekpor stated.

He said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was aggrieved by the decision but remained committed to due process and the rule of law.

“As a party, we are grieved by this decision, and we will advise our candidate accordingly on the next steps to take. But the court is a court of equity and of law,” he said.