A legal practitioner, Constantine Kudzedzi, has publicly accused former Member of Parliament for Kwesimintsim constituency, Hon. Joseph Mensah, of failing to pay the full legal fees owed for representation during a protracted court case. Lawyer Kudzedzi alleged that Hon. Mensah still owes him GH₵5,000 out of a GH₵10,000 fee for services rendered during the Sekondi High Court trial, which challenged Mensah’s eligibility to contest the parliamentary seat in 2016.
“I am surprised by some of the things this man says. Anytime he is on radio, he speaks about truth and transparency, but he has yet to settle his debt to me for representing him in court,” Kudzedzi stated during a live radio show.
“Anytime I see him and ask about my money, he keeps tossing me around. If he talks about justice and fairness, he should start by checking his own actions,” the lawyer added.
The case, initiated by Mensah’s predecessor, Joe Badu Ansah, alleged that Mensah was not a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and was a civil servant, disqualifying him from contesting the election. Despite enduring a legal battle spanning 17 months and hearings in multiple courts—including Sekondi, Cape Coast, and Accra—Mensah ultimately prevailed.
During a morning, Skyy power, a Takoradi-based radio station, Hon. Joseph Mensah expressed disappointment with the vindictiveness and sabotage he claimed to have faced within the NPP, particularly from Joe Badu Ansah and other high-ranking party members. According to Mensah, after winning the court case, Ansah, alongside influential figures like Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, worked to undermine him by spreading rumors and denying him resources.
Mr. Mensah alleged that he funded his campaign using personal resources without support from the party. “I received no financial assistance from the party. I had to buy and sew campaign cloths myself, hang flags, and even pay for polling agents on election day,” he said.
Despite these challenges, the former MP highlighted his contributions to the constituency, claiming responsibility for several developmental projects, including the construction of roads in Apollo Junction, Apremdo, Mount Zion, Anaji Township, and Racecourse. He noted that he lobbied tirelessly for these projects, sometimes resorting to pleading and even crying to secure approvals.
Mr. Mensah also accused the incumbent MP, Dr. Prince Hamid Armah, of taking credit for some of the projects he had commissioned during his term, and he dismissed claims by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) that he had not contributed to the constituency’s development. “If the MCE says I did not create any development, that is up to him,” Mensah retorted.
Joseph Mensah, now running as an independent candidate for Kwesimintsim, emphasized his commitment to truth, transparency, and service to the constituency. However, Kudzedzi’s allegations of unpaid legal fees have raised questions about his adherence to these values, casting a shadow over his campaign message.
