Former President John Mahama has criticised Nana Akufo-Addo for the appointment of a known New Patriotic Party (NPP) activist to the Electoral Commission’s board.
Mr Mahama says the conduct of the president is disappointing and should be condemned by all well-meaning Ghanaians.
He has thus promised to amend Article 43(2) of the 1992 Constitution if re-elected president in the 2024 general elections.
According to him, this amendment will provide for parliamentary approval of new commissioners to the EC.
“Of course, the appointments of known party activists onto the Electoral Commission by our current President may require an amendment of Article 43(2), to provide for parliamentary approval of new Commissioners to the Commission.
“Let me assure you once again, I remain committed to these reforms,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo in line with Article 43 (1 and 2) of the 1992 Constitution swore in three new members of the Electoral Commission (EC) governing board on Monday, March 20.
The three included Rev. Akua Ofori Boateng Salima, Ahmed Tijani, and Dr Peter Appiahene.
However, following that, pictures and videos have since gone viral alleging in particular that Dr Peter Appiahene is a popular activist of the NPP and has been engaged in TESCON activities at the University of Energy and Natural Resources.
This has led to widespread condemnation by some political activists and groups.
For instance, the Director of the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) International Relations Directorate, Alexander Segbefia, has described the move as dangerous for the country’s democracy.
Speaking on the issue on JoyNews’ PM Express, on Wednesday, March 22, Mr Segbefia noted that taking into consideration the referee role the EC plays in Ghana’s elections, it is unfortunate to have a well-known partisan activist sitting on the board.
He said Dr Appiahene’s past would henceforth colour every utterance or decision he makes while on the board, further casting doubts on the activities of the EC which has in recent times been embroiled in several scuffles with the main opposition party.
“It is clear that in a situation like this, it’s imperative that partisan colours for certain positions in this country should not be or cannot be overtly shown to have been demonstrated in the past because it means that on every decision that person is involved in, it will be scrutinised 10, 15, 20 times more than it should be because there is already a fear and a belief that that person doesn’t approach it in a fair manner or a neutral position.
“And that, whether right or wrong is the perception that is created, by allowing somebody who is clearly very overtly partisan but is coming into a position of a referee to actually hold such an office. I think it’s so obvious that I don’t know why it keeps being done.”
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