Obuasi High Court dismisses K.T. Hammond’s petition against Adansi-Asokwa MP

The Obuasi High Court has dismissed an election petition filed by former Trade and Industry Minister K.T. Hammond, challenging the victory of Godwin Animli Dorgbadzi Dorani in the 2024 parliamentary elections.

The court, in its ruling delivered on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, by Justice Kwabena Twumasi, also imposed a fine of ¢60,000 on Hammond, describing his legal challenge as a frivolous suit.

Hammond, who garnered 13,275 votes, falling short of Dorani’s 14,229 votes by 954 and thereby losing the Adansi Asokwa seat, filed the petition on January 15, 2025.

However, Hammond’s failure to appear before the court on three consecutive occasions led the judge to deliver judgment in his absence.

Following the ruling, counsel for the MP, Richard Andy, stated that the petition lacked any legal merit.

He added that the decision would now permit his client, Hon. Dorani, to dedicate his full attention to his parliamentary duties.

Political observers in the constituency note that the ruling brings finality to months of uncertainty surrounding the legitimacy of Mr. Dorani’s mandate.

Constituents have expressed relief, stressing that the prolonged litigation created divisions and slowed development initiatives in the area.

Godwin Animli Dzogbazi-Dorani, serving his first term in Parliament, has pledged to unite the people of Adansi Asokwa following the judgment.

In a brief remark, he urged supporters of both parties to “bury the past and focus on the future,” assuring them of his commitment to championing their interests in the legislature.

Legal experts have highlighted the ruling as a signal to political actors about respecting electoral outcomes and engaging constructively within the democratic process rather than pursuing frivolous petitions.