In a recent gathering with influential leaders of the Ghanaian religious community, former President John Dramani Mahama vocalized serious concerns regarding the impartiality of the Electoral Commission of Ghana as the 2024 elections approach. He highlighted issues related to the composition of the commission, which he alleges is populated by members with overt political affiliations, particularly to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
During the meeting held on Monday, May 20, 2024, Mahama engaged with prominent religious figures, including Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Rev. Stephen Wengam, and other respected clergy. He articulated worries about the current administration under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, accusing it of compromising the neutrality of the Electoral Commission by appointing party loyalists and former party functionaries to critical roles within the commission.
Mahama criticized the appointments, stating, “This is a president who is appointing politically exposed individuals to positions of trust where they are expected to be neutral and non-partisan.” He pointed out that former party communicators and IT specialists who previously served the NPP are now serving as commissioners, posing a threat to the fairness and impartiality expected in their new roles.
Further emphasizing his concerns, Mahama cited recent electoral activities that raised red flags about the commission’s conduct. He referred to irregularities observed during the Ejisu by-election and issues in the ongoing limited voter registration process. These instances, he argued, demonstrate a troubling pattern of behavior that could undermine the integrity of the upcoming national elections.
“The people who were patrons of TESCON on campus have now become commissioners. We aim to awaken the conscience of the nation to ensure that the right actions are taken so that the election outcome truly reflects the will of the people,” Mahama emphasized. TESCON, the Tertiary Education Students Confederacy, is known for its affiliations with the NPP, further compounding concerns over the neutrality of the newly appointed commissioners.
Mahama’s approach to this issue involves rallying support from the Christian community, urging them to lend their influential voices to advocate for justice and transparency in the electoral process. “As we approach the election, we will continue to play our part. We will raise the red flags whenever we perceive that things are not proceeding as they should,” he asserted. He expressed confidence that the church community would remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring that the electoral proceedings are conducted fairly.
The meeting was not only attended by ecclesiastical leaders but also by high-ranking members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), including National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah and General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey. Their presence underscored the party’s unified stance on the need for a non-partisan and unbiased Electoral Commission.
As the discussion unfolded, the former president and his allies in the NDC laid out a case for a reevaluation of the Electoral Commission’s composition, advocating for a structure that would foster greater trust among all political parties and, by extension, the Ghanaian electorate. This call for reform is poised to become a pivotal issue as Ghana moves closer to another critical election cycle.
Mahama’s appeal to religious leaders is part of a broader strategy to engage various sectors of society in safeguarding the democratic process in Ghana. By bringing these concerns to the forefront, he aims to catalyze a national dialogue on electoral integrity and ensure that the forthcoming elections are free, fair, and reflective of the true will of the Ghanaian people. The outcome of this advocacy could significantly influence the operational dynamics of the Electoral Commission and potentially reshape the landscape of Ghanaian electoral politics.
Source: Ghana Web
