ACCRA, Ghana, 12th October: President John Dramani Mahama has stated that he expects the Electoral Commission (EC) to operate independently and apply the same standards to all political parties, candidates and governments without favouritism.
According to him, the Commission must protect the right of Ghanaians to freely choose their leaders and ensure that electoral outcomes faithfully reflect the will of the people.
Speaking during the swearing-in of the two Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission, Dr. Joseph Kwaku Asamoah Esq and Emelia Afi Agbenyo, at the Presidency, President Mahama stressed that the responsibilities of the Commission must be discharged with fairness, restraint and strict adherence to the law.
“As President, I expect no preferential treatment from the Electoral Commission for myself, my party, or my government. I expect an institution that applies the same standards to everyone and protects Ghanaians’ right to choose their leaders freely,” he stated.
He urged the newly sworn-in officials to discharge their duties without favour towards any political party, candidate or government, emphasising that their ultimate responsibility is to the Republic of Ghana and its people.
President Mahama further challenged the Deputy Chairpersons to demonstrate courage in upholding what is right, even when their decisions may be inconvenient for those involved.
He noted that the authority associated with their offices must be exercised with impartiality and fidelity to the law.
The President also called for transparency and constructive engagement between the Electoral Commission and stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organisations, the media and citizens.
He urged the Commission to address legitimate concerns, provide accurate information when misinformation arises, and promptly acknowledge and correct mistakes when they occur.
President Mahama maintained that public trust in the Electoral Commission must be earned through consistent conduct, transparent procedures and timely responses to concerns about electoral processes.
He assured the Commission that his government would support it in fulfilling its mandate while respecting its independence.
The two Deputy Chairpersons were sworn into office with a responsibility to help strengthen the institution’s effectiveness, impartiality and credibility in safeguarding Ghana’s democratic processes.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭