The judge hearing the suit filed by former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, Paul Afoko, challenging his suspension by the party, has indicated that any delay in the trial of the case could be detrimental to his rights.
The judge, Anthony Yeboah, who made the comments cautioning both parties in the case, said the suit is about the human rights of an individual and therefore should not be unduly delayed.
He thus asked lawyers in the case to ensure they file the necessary documents needed by the close of day today [Tuesday], to enable pre-trial of the case from tomorrow [Wednesday].
Paul Afoko in 2015 filed the suit challenging his suspension as National Chairman of the NPP. According to him, the action and processes leading to his suspension by some elements of the party were unconstitutional and a breach of natural justice.
Why Afoko sued NPP
The NPP’s National Executive Committee suspended Paul Afoko in October 2015 for “misconduct.” The decision was adopted by the party’s National Council, which is the second highest decision making body of the party after congress.
Mr. Afoko rejected the reasons for his suspension and subsequently sued the party for taking such an action against him.
Unconstitutional suspension?
The suspended Chair had earlier described his suspension as unconstitutional and a breach of natural justice.
“The illegal National Executive Committee meeting adopted the illegal recommendations of the disciplinary committee following the rules and procedures laid down by the constitution by appealing against these illegalities,” he complained.
My opponents ‘plotted’ my suspension
Paul Afoko had alleged that the party’s action against him was masterminded by some members of the party who opposed his candidature before his election.
He said members of the National Council meeting that voted to suspend him, were his avowed opponents who worked against his candidature ahead of the party’s congress to elect national officers.
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By: Fred Djabanor/citifmonline.com/Ghana