Stop NDC, Rawlings from commemorating Dec 31– Lawyer prays SC

Ghanaian lawyer based in the U.S, Prof Stephen Kwaku Asare, has prayed the Supreme Court to stop the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) from commemorating 31 December.

On 31 December 1981, the founder of the NDC, former President Jerry John Rawlings overthrew the constitutionally elected PNC government led by Dr. Hilla Limann.

Mr. Rawlings took over the affairs of the state as Chairman of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) and governed the country till 1993 when he transformed the PNDC to the NDC, resigned from the military and won a democratic election in 1992 to become President in 1993.

Mr Rawlings every year on 31 December celebrates the coup.

Prof Asare wants the apex court to stop the public celebration of the coup since according to him it is inconsistent with the letter and spirit of the 1992 Constitution.

He wants an order to be directed at NDC, its founder, executives, agents, assigns, privies, servants, and whomsoever of whatever description to cease and desist from the celebration or commemoration of the day.

He also wants the government to desist from renting public fora to the NDC or other public associations for the celebration or commemoration of the 31 December overthrow of a constitutional government.

The NDC and the AG’s office have since entered an appearance but have asked the Court to grant them more time to file a response.

The court granted the NDC and the AG's request.

The case has been adjourned indefinitely.