KEY POINTS
- Ghana’s Electoral Commission abruptly canceled an urgent meeting, sparking opposition criticism over professionalism and planning.
- The NDC called the cancellation “unacceptable,” highlighting broader concerns about the EC’s preparedness for election management.
- Tensions grow as the EC faces scrutiny over its impartiality and efficiency in safeguarding Ghana’s electoral integrity.
Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) has come under fire from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for what the party describes as a chaotic and unprofessional handling of an emergency Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting.
The controversy adds to existing tensions over the EC’s capacity to oversee Ghana’s electoral processes.
Sudden cancellation sparks outrage
According to GhanaWeb, the EC convened an emergency meeting scheduled for midday on December 24, 2024, at its headquarters in Accra, inviting representatives from political parties to discuss pressing electoral matters. However, mere hours before the meeting’s commencement, the EC issued an abrupt cancellation, offering no explanation for the reversal.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the NDC’s Director of Elections and IT, criticized the EC’s erratic planning. “Invitations were sent early Monday morning, asking each party to send two representatives,” he noted.
While the EC acknowledged the short notice in its initial communication, it stressed the meeting’s urgency. Yet, the follow-up message nullifying the invitation read: “You are kindly informed that today’s meeting to take place at 12 noon has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience created.”
Opposition questions EC’s competence
The NDC lambasted the EC’s approach as emblematic of deeper systemic inefficiencies. Dr. Omane Boamah described the cancellation as “unacceptable,” pointing to the logistical disruptions caused by the sudden reversal. “You cannot compel parties to rearrange their schedules for an emergency meeting, only to cancel without justification. This level of incompetence erodes trust in the Commission,” he said.
The NDC’s frustrations extend beyond this incident. Party officials allege that the EC’s actions reflect a troubling pattern of disorganization and bias, undermining its ability to manage Ghana’s democratic framework effectively. “Such inefficiency raises critical questions about the EC’s readiness to handle election-related processes,” Dr. Omane Boamah added.
Broader implications for Ghana’s democracy
This episode further intensifies the strained relationship between the Electoral Commission and opposition parties. With elections on the horizon, the EC’s ability to maintain its credibility and impartiality will remain under scrutiny. The NDC’s criticisms underscore the broader stakes, as Ghana’s democratic institutions face heightened challenges in safeguarding electoral integrity.
As the fallout continues, observers will be closely watching whether the EC can address these concerns and restore confidence in its role as the steward of Ghana’s democratic processes.
