The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) wants two newly appointed members of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana to resign.
CODEO argues that the appointment of the two is politically motivated and risk undermining public trust in the Electoral Commission.
Addressing a news conference in Accra on Wednesday (5 April), a member of CODEO’s advisory board, Dr Fred Degbe said: “We are painfully aware that voluntary and constitutionally grounded revocation of these unfortunate and democratically problematic EC appointments by the President is extremely unlikely.”
“However, nothing stops the affected appointees, namely Dr Peter Appiahene and Madam Hajia Salima Tijani to honourably resign from the EC.
“This will be in the supreme interest of our country’s continued democratic progress, election peace and credibility and indeed overall national interest,” Degbe said.
Listen to Dr Fred Degbe in the attached audio clip below:
Watch the full news conference in the attached video clip below:
Swearing-in
President Nana Akufo-Addo in March swore into office three new members of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana. They are Reverend Akua Ofori Boateng, Salima Armed Tijani and Dr Peter Appiahene.
Their appointment is in line with Article 43 (1 and 2) of the 1992 constitution which states that, “there shall be an Electoral Commission which shall consist of a chairman, two deputy chairmen, and four other members. The members of the commission shall be appointed by the president under Article 70 of this constitution.”
Quality work
At a brief swearing-in ceremony held at Jubilee House in Accra on Monday (20 March 2023), President Akufo-Addo administered the three key oaths (of office, allegiance and secrecy) to the three new electoral commissioners.
He noted that they “have come to office some 21 months to the 2024 general election and at a time when Ghana seeks to entrench her credentials as a beacon of democracy in Africa”.
“It is the quality of your work that will reassure the Ghana people that the democratic system of government that they have chosen for their governance will be properly nurtured by an electoral system that allows their voice to be plainly and loudly heard,” President Akufo-Addo said.
“As you begin work, you will find no honeymoon period, neither will you be afforded the chance to settle in to your new responsibilities. I have, nevertheless, confidence in you and in your abilities to surmount the hurdles before you.
“Remember now more than ever, that every decision you take will be scrutinised to the letter. That, however, should not scare you and, indeed, let no one try to cow you into submission.
“On the contrary, let this expectation of the Ghanaian people spur you on to great heights and, above all, work so that the will of the Ghanaian people is upheld,” Akufo-Addo added.
Poised to work
Dr Appiahene, in his response on behalf of the three new electoral commissioners, expressed their gratitude to the president for their appointment and to the Council of State for supporting their nomination.
“We are greatly humbled, honoured, motivated, and we finally see this appointment as a sense of duty,” Dr Appiahene said.
Reporting by Fred Dzakpata in Accra
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