ACCRA, Ghana, 12th October: President John Dramani Mahama has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to strengthen measures that ensure persons with disabilities, older citizens, women, young people and voters in remote communities can participate fully in Ghana’s electoral processes.
He said electoral participation must be accessible to every eligible citizen, including those who face physical, social or communication barriers.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony 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 inclusion must be reflected in practical arrangements rather than remain a policy objective.
He noted that the quality of an electoral system is measured partly by how effectively it serves citizens who might otherwise be left behind.
“Persons with disabilities, older citizens, women, young people, and eligible voters in remote communities should be able to participate in our electoral processes with dignity and with confidence,” he said.
The President particularly highlighted Ms. Agbenyo’s experience in gender inclusion, disability inclusion and creating opportunities for vulnerable groups, describing these areas of expertise as relevant to her new responsibilities at the Commission.
Ms. Agbenyo previously served in leadership at the Ghana TVET Service, where her work involved coordinating nationwide operations, supporting policy implementation and collaborating with institutions and partners.
President Mahama encouraged her to apply her experience in team building, partnership management and translating policy into action to improve the work of the Electoral Commission.
He also called on both Deputy Chairpersons to ensure that the institution’s planning, coordination and operational arrangements support the participation of all eligible voters.
According to the President, the Electoral Commission has a responsibility to ensure that every eligible citizen can participate in the electoral process and that every valid vote counts.
He said the integrity of elections is a shared national responsibility, requiring cooperation among political parties, citizens, the media and security services.
President Mahama urged political parties to act responsibly, citizens to reject intimidation and violence, the media to verify information before publication, and security personnel to perform their duties professionally and impartially.
He maintained that an inclusive electoral system would help strengthen public confidence in the democratic process and ensure that the voices of eligible voters are reflected in the country’s electoral outcomes.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭