The Anchoring Democracy Advocacy Movement Ghana (ADAM-GH) has issued a stark warning regarding the conduct of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC), calling for an immediate overhaul of its leadership to safeguard the nation’s democratic foundations and avert potential crises. ADAM-GH contends that the EC, under the leadership of Jean Mensah, has eroded public trust and jeopardized the stability of Ghana’s democratic processes through demonstrable bias, particularly in the application of electoral laws, seemingly favoring a specific political party. This perceived partiality has created an environment of distrust, fueling concerns about the integrity and impartiality of the electoral process, potentially undermining the very fabric of Ghanaian democracy.
ADAM-GH’s Executive Secretary, Emmanuel Salam Azubila, articulated the group’s concerns, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for intervention. He accused the EC of selective enforcement of laws and a lack of transparency, citing these as evidence of the commission’s bias. Mr. Azubila warned that the current EC leadership, if unchecked, poses a significant threat to Ghana’s democratic ideals, potentially leading to further erosion of public trust and even political instability. He stressed the importance of protecting Ghana’s democratic legacy from individuals who prioritize self-interest over the welfare of the nation.
The group specifically highlighted irregularities in the 2024 general elections, citing a “shambolic re-coalition process” that excluded key stakeholders, further raising questions about the EC’s impartiality. This alleged exclusion of vital participants in the electoral process raises concerns about the transparency and inclusivity of the EC’s operations, adding to the growing apprehension surrounding the commission’s commitment to fairness and neutrality. The group argues that these irregularities, coupled with other instances of perceived bias, have undermined public confidence in the EC, contributing to a historically low voter turnout of 60%. This low voter participation reflects a palpable disillusionment with the electoral process, a worrying trend that could have long-term implications for the health of Ghana’s democracy.
ADAM-GH directly called for the resignation of the current EC leadership, emphasizing the urgent need to restore public confidence in the institution. This call for resignation underscores the depth of the group’s concerns, highlighting the perceived severity of the EC’s transgressions and the urgent need for corrective action. The group believes that only a complete change in leadership can restore public faith in the electoral process and ensure the future integrity of Ghanaian democracy. They argued that the current leadership’s actions have irreparably damaged their credibility, making their continued presence at the helm of the EC untenable.
Furthermore, ADAM-GH urged Parliament to initiate constitutional amendments to ensure future appointments to the EC are free from political influence. This proactive approach aims to prevent future instances of perceived bias by establishing a more robust and transparent appointment process. By removing political considerations from the selection of EC members, the group hopes to create a more impartial and trustworthy electoral body. They advocate for a selection process that prioritizes competence, integrity, and impartiality over political affiliations, thereby strengthening the integrity of the electoral system.
Finally, the group commended Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for his concession in the elections, recognizing it as a crucial act that shielded the country from potential chaos. This acknowledgement highlights the importance of political maturity and statesmanship in preserving stability during potentially volatile periods. By conceding gracefully, Dr. Bawumia contributed significantly to maintaining peace and order, setting a positive example for other political actors. ADAM-GH’s commendation underscores the importance of upholding democratic principles, even in the face of defeat, for the betterment of the nation.
