Accra, July 23, GNA - The Democratic People's Party (DPP) on Tuesday cited the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Chairmen and flag bearers of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), National Democratic Congress (NDC), People's National Convention (PNC) and the Convention People's Party (CPP) for contempt of court. A motion for committal for contempt of Court filed by DPP and one Mr Gyebi Mensah Tettey filed at an Accra High Court, cited the individuals and institution for wilfully and deliberately defying and ignoring the pendency of the motion for Interlocutory Injunction before the court.

A copy of the suit made available to the Ghana News Agency in Accra also accused the parties, individuals and IEA for interfering with a pending Judicial proceeding.

They thereby undermined the rule of law and showed disrespect to the Court bringing it into disrepute and bringing the administration of Justice into disrespect.

Other individuals and parties sued were Mrs. Jean Mensah, IEA Administrator; Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, NPP flag bearer; Professor John Evans Atta Mills, NDC flag bearer; Dr Edward Mahama, PNC flag bearer and Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, CPP flag bearer. The other were Mr. Peter Mac Manu, NPP National Chairman and the party; Dr. Kwabena Adjei, NDC National Chairman and the party; Alhaji Ahmed Rhamandan, PNC National Chairman and the party; Mr Ladi Nylander, CPP National Chairman and the party.

An affidavit in support sworn by Isaac Nii Otoo Otto, Deputy General Secretary of the Democratic People's Party DPP, said in spite of provisions of the law which states that, "Only a citizens of Ghana may make contribution or donation to a Political Party registered in Ghana" the IEA in January, 2003 executed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Dutch Institute of Multi-Party Democracy (IMD) - Netherlands, NPP, NDC, PNC and CPP.

"In pursuance of the above-mentioned Memorandum of Understanding, the Dutch Institute of Multi-party Democracy (IMD) started to provide monies in cash and contributions in kind to the said four registered Political Parties with representation in Parliament. "Starting from July 2003 the sum of US$4,500.00 per was paid to each of the four registered Political Parties. By the end of the month of July 2008 the total of the registered four political parties received a total cash contribution of US$270,000.00."

The parties were also given computers, office furniture and equipment and air conditioners. "Further resources were provided under the said Dutch-IMD/IEA package to cover capacity building programmes, sponsored trips abroad for officials of the four registered Political Parties, among others." The affidavit said a Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim was issued against the respondents for the relief endorsed and a Motion for Interlocutory Injunction was also filed and served on the respondents accordingly and hearing thereof had been proceeding. The DPP on November 14, 2007 issued a Writ of Summons against the IEA and the parties claiming declaration that the Dutch IMD-IEA Funding for the four parties as illegal and unlawful as it violated sections 24 and 25 of the Political Parties Law 2000 (Act 574). It said this must be prohibited as it discriminated against the remaining registered Political Parties, undermined transparency and the existence of the principle of level playing field which are the cornerstone of the country's democracy.

The DPP also said it introduced unfairness into our electoral process and brought manipulation of the system, violated the Political Parties Law 2000 (Act 574). It is seeking a declaration that, "the principle of level playing field is so sacrosanct and crucial for the operation of democracy that any act or programme which gives undeserved advantage to other Political Parties over others undermines the existence of transparency, and free and fair elections."