We must subject EC appointment to the ‘Akufo-Addo test’ – Osae-Kwapong

Dr John Osae-Kwapong, a Fellow at CDD-Ghana, has urged the Electoral Commission to undergo an 'Akufo-Addo test' before accepting its latest appointment. During an appearance on Joy News’ PM Express, Dr Osae-Kwapong suggested evaluating the appointee against the standards outlined by former President Nana Akufo-Addo when he swore in commissioners in 2023.

According to Dr Osae-Kwapong, Akufo-Addo's statements provided a useful guideline on the qualities expected of an electoral commissioner, such as serving with integrity, fairness, professionalism, and independence of mind and judgment.

The sworn-in Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission, Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah and Emelia Afi Agbenyo, were recently appointed by President John Mahama on October 12. Dr Osae-Kwapong applauded their charge to uphold electoral integrity and bolster public confidence following the resignation of Dr Bossman Eric Asare and the retirement of Samuel Tettey.

Dr Osae-Kwapong also addressed the distinction people draw between openly partisan appointees and those with private political affiliations. He questioned why the public felt more uncomfortable knowing that somebody was openly partisan when being sent to an independent constitutional body. He also pondered whether the Electoral Commission's internal safeguards were sufficient to prevent an individual from serving their political party's interests within a group of six other commissioners.

Dr Osae-Kwapong believed that the other commissioners' ability to curb an appointee's partisan conduct would relieve his concerns.