The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has issued a robust response to allegations made by former President John Mahama, refuting claims of bias in the appointment of Commission members.
In a statement to the media, the EC emphasized the neutrality of its recruitment process and challenged the accuracy of Mahama’s assertions. The Commission accused the former President of spreading falsehoods, highlighting instances where Ghanaians criticized Mahama’s appointments to the Commission without resorting to demonization.
The EC countered Mahama’s allegations by pointing out that the Constitution allows the President to appoint members of the Commission, a power exercised by Mahama himself during his presidency. The statement noted that similar concerns about the neutrality of appointees were raised during Mahama’s tenure.
Moreover, the Commission denied Mahama’s claims regarding the recruitment of returning officers, stating that allegations of Ministers and DCEs being instructed to nominate party apparatchiks for these roles were untrue.
During an interview at the London School of Economics and Political Science, Mahama expressed concerns about the government’s record of appointing NPP sympathizers to the Electoral Commission. However, the EC’s response sought to clarify that its recruitment process prioritizes credibility and neutrality, regardless of political affiliations.
The EC’s statement underscores the importance of transparency and fairness in Ghana’s electoral processes, reaffirming its commitment to upholding these principles. As political tensions rise in the lead-up to the next general elections, the Commission’s assurance of impartiality is crucial for maintaining public trust in the electoral system.