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The Sekondi High court has referred the Ellembele constituency polling station election disputes involving some NPP supporters and the constituency chairman to the western Regional Minister for out of court settlement.

The judge, Justice Bright Mensah, who presided over the case was of the view that the issue in question was between members of the same New Patriotic Party family and therefore elders of the party should be able to ensure that sleeping dogs lie.

Justice Mensah stated that, “A house divided among itself cannot stand, I therefore invoke the powers in section 72 (1) of the 1993 court act which allows me to refer the matter to the Regional Minister for redress".

"Go to him and if all attempts fail for amicable settlement, then of course you can resort to the law court…that is what we are paid to do”.

The case has therefore been adjourned to February 23, to allow the Regional Minister to appear in person to brief the court on progress or otherwise and the next steps to be taken.

The polling station elections in the Ellembelle district of the Western region was disrupted by dissatisfied party executives who accused the Chairman for the area of favouring his “so called friends” and side-lining party members who were in support of other candidates.

Mr Edward Acquaah Arhin, counsel for the third, fourth and fifth defendants upheld the decision of the judge adding, “We are here for peace”.

He expressed satisfaction at the approach adopted by the affected individuals to resolve the matter rather than resorting to mayhem and vandalism.