Professor Baffuor Agyeman-Duah, a renowned governance expert and former UN Senior Governance Advisor, has sounded a warning about the disturbing trend of replacing Electoral Commission (EC) heads whenever a new government assumes office in Ghana.
This practice, he cautioned, poses a significant threat to the country’s democratic stability and undermines the integrity of the electoral process.
Speaking at the Ghana Speaks High-Level Forum 2024, organized by the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Prof. Agyeman-Duah expressed his concerns about the implications of this trend on Ghana’s democracy.
He cited the removal of Charlotte Osei, the former EC Chair, after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) came into power following the 2016 election, as a prime example.
The irony of the situation lies in the fact that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), which initially opposed Osei’s removal, has now threatened to replace the current EC Chair, Jean Mensa, if they win the 2024 elections.
This development has taken the debate to a new level, with many questioning the motivations behind such actions.
According to Prof. Agyeman-Duah, the frequent changes to the EC leadership create suspicion and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
He attributed this to the fact that EC heads are appointed by the president, which often leads to perceptions of partisanship.
“The suspicion is always there,” Prof. Agyeman-Duah noted. “I don’t know why, but because they are appointed by the president, it’s difficult for the political parties to accept that this is a neutral body.” He emphasized that maintaining continuity and impartiality within the Electoral Commission is essential for upholding public confidence in elections.
Prof. Agyeman-Duah urged Ghana’s political parties to move away from this trend and instead draw inspiration from Western democracies, where EC leadership transitions are less politicized and have proven effective in preserving the stability of the electoral system.
“The president doesn’t have to appoint,” he suggested. “In other countries and other democracies, electoral officers or bodies are appointed differently; we can learn from them.” He proposed reviewing the system to ensure EC heads are appointed through a more independent and less politicized process.
The implications of this trend are far-reaching, and Prof. Agyeman-Duah warned that if left unchecked, it could erode the foundations of Ghana’s democracy. He called on stakeholders to take a closer look at the appointment process and consider reforms that would insulate the EC from partisan politics.
As Ghana prepares for the 2024 elections, the debate surrounding the EC’s independence and impartiality has taken center stage. The international community is watching closely, and Prof. Agyeman-Duah’s warnings serve as a timely reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
Ghana’s democratic journey has been marked by significant progress, but this trend threatens to undermine the gains made. It is essential that political parties, civil society organizations, and citizens come together to address this issue and ensure that the EC remains an impartial and effective institution.
The ball is now in the court of Ghana’s policymakers and stakeholders to take decisive action and address this critical issue. By doing so, they can help safeguard the country’s democratic stability and ensure that the electoral process remains credible and trustworthy.
Ultimately, the future of Ghana’s democracy depends on the ability of its institutions to remain impartial and effective. Prof. Agyeman-Duah’s warnings serve as a clarion call to action, urging stakeholders to prioritize the integrity of the electoral process and protect the country’s democratic heritage.
