The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised concerns about the recent appointments of Hajia Salima Ahmed Tijani and Dr Peter Appiahene to the board of the Electoral Commission, calling on the Council of State to reconsider the appointments. The appointments have been criticised by some civil society organisations, including the Coalition for Democratic Election Observers (CODEO), who have questioned the affiliations of the appointees with the ruling NPP.
The NDC’s letter to the Council of State highlights the party’s concerns about the appointments, citing evidence of the appointees’ strong affiliations with the NPP. The party claims that the appointments will further damage the reputation of the Electoral Commission and that they should be reconsidered in the interest of the majority of Ghanaians.
It is important to ensure that the Electoral Commission is independent and free from any perceived partisan influence. This is crucial for the credibility of the electoral process and for maintaining public trust in the commission. The concerns raised by the NDC and other civil society organisations should be taken seriously, and the Council of State should carefully consider the evidence presented before making any further decisions about the appointments. Ultimately, the appointment of individuals with strong political affiliations to the Electoral Commission risks undermining public confidence in the institution and could have serious implications for the integrity of Ghana’s democratic process.
