ACCRA, Ghana, 12th October: President John Dramani Mahama has urged the newly sworn-in Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission (EC) to make transparency, accountability and constructive engagement central to their work to strengthen public confidence in Ghana’s electoral system.
He said citizens who raise questions about electoral processes deserve respectful responses, adding that openness and timely communication are essential to building trust in the Commission.
President Mahama made the call during the swearing-in of Dr. Joseph Kwaku Asamoah Esq and Emelia Afi Agbenyo at the Presidency.
He emphasised that the confidence citizens place in the electoral system depends largely on the integrity, competence and fairness with which the Electoral Commission carries out its responsibilities.
According to him, public trust cannot be secured through assurances alone but must be earned through consistent conduct, clear procedures, explained decisions and the timely resolution of concerns.
“I therefore urge you to make transparency and constructive engagement central to your work. Listen carefully to political parties, civil society, the media, and citizens,” he stated.
The President encouraged the Commission to distinguish between legitimate concerns and inaccurate information, urging it to address well-founded complaints while providing clear facts to correct misinformation.
He also called on the institution to acknowledge mistakes when they occur and take prompt steps to correct them.
President Mahama said such an approach would strengthen both the Electoral Commission and Ghana’s democracy by ensuring that citizens feel heard and respected throughout the electoral process.
He further urged the two Deputy Chairpersons to work closely with their fellow Commissioners and staff to promote professionalism, maintain consistent standards and create a working environment where problems are identified and resolved early.
The President noted that credible elections require sustained preparation, accurate records, well-trained officials, reliable logistics, secure systems and prudent management of public resources long before election day.
He also stressed the importance of properly testing electoral technologies, establishing appropriate safeguards and communicating clearly with the public about their use.
President Mahama said the newly appointed officials must allow competence to distinguish their work, fairness to shape their judgement and the national interest to guide their decisions throughout their tenure.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭