Executive Secretary of the Good Governance Advocacy Group Ghana, Listowel Nana Poku, has renewed his criticism of Ghana’s electoral management system and the handling of the 2020 presidential election petition, calling for deeper reflection on the credibility of the country’s democratic institutions.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem programme in Accra with host Citizen Kofi Owusu, Mr. Poku argued that lingering public doubts about the outcome of the 2020 presidential election continue to affect trust in both the Electoral Commission (EC) and the judiciary.
He reiterated concerns that the declaration of the 2020 presidential election results created confusion among sections of the public due to subsequent corrections made during the collation process.
According to Mr. Poku, although the Supreme Court’s ruling on the election petition resolved the legal dispute, it did not fully address the concerns raised by the petitioners and some members of the public. He further claimed that the decision by key Electoral Commission officials, including EC Chairperson Jean Mensa, not to personally testify during the proceedings contributed to unanswered questions regarding the declared results.
Mr. Poku maintained that these developments have created what he described as a perception gap between judicial decisions and public acceptance of electoral outcomes. He argued that this perception continues to fuel political debate years after the election, particularly among citizens who believe the electoral process lacked full transparency.
He also revisited earlier controversies surrounding appointments and conduct within the Electoral Commission, claiming that public confidence in the institution has been affected by political comments attributed to some officials prior to their appointments. He referenced past remarks associated with Deputy EC Chairperson Dr. Bossman Asare regarding the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), arguing that such comments have continued to raise questions about neutrality within governance institutions.
Turning to the 2024 electoral process, Mr. Poku criticized the Commission’s preparedness and communication, particularly regarding the technology deployed for election management. He cited public discussions about software tools, including CorelDRAW, as examples that critics have used to question the Commission’s technical readiness.
Mr. Poku also alleged the existence of internal tensions among some senior Electoral Commission officials, including Jean Mensa and Dr. Bossman Asare, suggesting that such developments could affect institutional cohesion. However, he acknowledged that leadership transitions are a normal part of public service, noting that constitutional and administrative provisions ultimately determine tenure in office.
Despite his criticisms, Mr. Poku emphasized his commitment to peace, stability, and democratic governance in Ghana. He urged political actors and state institutions to focus on strengthening democratic structures rather than deepening partisan divisions.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has consistently defended its conduct in previous elections, maintaining that its processes are transparent, constitutionally guided, and independently managed. The Commission has also repeatedly rejected allegations of bias or manipulation, insisting that Ghana’s electoral system remains among the most credible in the region.
Mr. Poku concluded by calling for sustained national dialogue on electoral reforms, stressing that restoring and maintaining public confidence in democratic institutions is essential to the future of Ghana’s democracy.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah