Election Watch Ghana calls for reforms to Electoral Commission appointments

Election Watch Ghana and other prominent stakeholders are advocating for urgent constitutional reforms to safeguard the independence and neutrality of the Electoral Commission (EC). The calls follow the recent appointment of Dr. Joseph Kwaku Asamoah and Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairpersons by President John Mahama, a move that has triggered debate over the potential for partisan bias within the nation’s electoral body. Advocates argue that the current legal framework contains structural vulnerabilities that allow for the appointment of politically affiliated individuals, which they believe undermines public confidence in the electoral process.

Duncan Amoah, the Executive Director of COPEC, highlighted that the President’s extensive appointment powers frequently lead to partisan disputes, regardless of which party is in office. He noted that the cyclical nature of these criticisms—where the opposition routinely attacks the appointments made by the incumbent—indicates a deep-seated institutional weakness rather than an issue with specific individuals. Similarly, Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways Alhassan Suhuyini suggested that a proper "reset" of the commission would involve establishing a transparent, merit-based selection process that prioritizes integrity and credibility, free from partisan influence.

Mark Ewusi, the Convenor of Election Watch Ghana, emphasized that while the current appointments cannot be easily reversed due to strict constitutional procedures for removal, the legislative gaps must be addressed to protect future elections. He expressed support for calls from the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) for a comprehensive constitutional review. Ewusi warned that without a clear prohibition against politically active individuals holding sensitive EC positions, the foundation of the country's democracy remains at risk.

The consensus among these observers is that the focus should shift from criticizing individual appointees to reforming the underlying appointment process. By instituting a more inclusive and transparent mechanism for selecting EC leadership, stakeholders believe the government can ensure the commission remains a neutral arbiter. As public trust is essential for peaceful elections, these groups are urging the President and national leadership to engage in a broad dialogue on strengthening the EC’s institutional integrity.