Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in two new Deputy Chairpersons for the Electoral Commission (EC), Joseph Kwaku Asamoah and Emilia Afi Agbenyo. At the ceremony, President Mahama emphasized the importance of impartiality in their roles, stressing that the Commission must apply the same standards to all political parties, candidates, and governments. He highlighted that public confidence in elections depends on the Commission's integrity, competence, and fairness.
President Mahama noted that the new Deputy Chairpersons bring a wealth of experience to the Commission. Dr Asamoah, a lawyer and chartered accountant, has served in various positions at the EC, including audit, finance, and training. Ms Agbenyo has a background in public administration, institutional leadership, and development cooperation. The President encouraged them to leverage their expertise to strengthen the Commission's systems, improve electoral officer training, and promote responsible public resource management.
The President underscored the need for the Commission to ensure that every eligible citizen can participate in elections and that the will of the people is accurately reflected in the results. He highlighted the importance of making electoral participation accessible to all eligible voters, particularly persons with disabilities, older citizens, and those in remote communities. This, he stressed, is crucial for maintaining public trust in the electoral process.
President Mahama also emphasized the need for sustained preparation for elections, including accurate record-keeping, well-trained electoral officials, reliable logistics, and secure systems. He noted that the use of technology must be supported by proper testing, safeguards, and clear public communication. This, he believes, will help to build confidence in the electoral process and ensure that elections are free and fair.
The President reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the Electoral Commission in carrying out its mandate while respecting its independence. He congratulated the two appointees and urged them to allow competence, fairness, and the national interest to guide their decisions throughout their tenure. This, he believes, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
President Mahama's charge to the new Deputy Chairpersons comes at a time when the Electoral Commission is preparing for future elections. The Commission's integrity, competence, and fairness will be crucial in ensuring that the elections are free, fair, and transparent. The President's emphasis on impartiality and public trust reflects the high expectations of the Ghanaian people.
The swearing-in ceremony marks a significant milestone in the Electoral Commission's preparations for future elections. The President's words of encouragement and advice to the new Deputy Chairpersons are expected to guide their work as they strive to strengthen the Commission's systems and processes. The success of the Electoral Commission is critical to Ghana's democracy, and the President's emphasis on impartiality and integrity is a timely reminder of the Commission's vital role.
Key points
- President Mahama charges new EC Deputy Chairs to ensure electoral integrity and impartiality.
- The new Deputy Chairpersons bring a wealth of experience to the Commission.
- The President emphasizes the need for sustained preparation for elections and public trust in the electoral process.
