EC asked to disqualify Independent Parliamentary Candidate for Ajumako

Accra, Nov 9, GNA- Mr Kofi Otsiwadu Inkoom, a resident of Ajumako, in the Ajumako Enyan Esiam Constituency of the Central Region, has petitioned the Electoral Commission, to disqualify an independent parliamentary candidate contesting Election 2004 in the area, on the grounds that he his an ex-convict.

Mr Inkoom said the Candidate, Mr James Appiah Mensah who is a professional Teacher was sentenced to a six-month prison term by Mr M.H. Logoh, the Presiding Judge of the Cape Coast Circuit Court, on July 5, 2004 for impersonation and forgery.

He said in a petition to the Ajumako Enyan Esiam District Electoral Officer, and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Tuesday that records at the Court's Registry revealed that Mr Mensah failed to pursue an appeal against his sentence.

"Even though the convict filed an application three days later to appeal against his conviction and sentence, he had since abandoned the appeal"

.. Mr Inkoom said: "So far as the conviction and sentence of Mr Mensah still holds good and persists, and not overturned in any appeal, he is disqualified on account of the criminal conviction, to be appointed or voted into any of the public offices, including Parliament, as stipulated under section 11 (a) of the Public Office Holders Act of 1998, Act 550."