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Look beyond politics in EC appointments – Dr Oduro Osae to Akufo-Addo

Look beyond politics in EC appointments – Dr Oduro Osae to Akufo-Addo

Lawyer and governance expert, Dr Eric Oduro Osae, has asked President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to look beyond politics in his appointment of the three commissioners of the Electoral Commission (EC).

He also suggests a constitutional amendment to make it possible for the Public Services Commission to be involved in the selection of the EC bosses going forward.

In his opinion, doing so will improve the credibility of the EC.

Speaking on Joy FM’s News File programme, Dr Osae noted that, “We are at a point where he [President Akufo-Addo] has to act fast, think fast and overhaul the system. This requires that they should open it up. I’ll always say that the appointment procedures should be competitive and they should open it up.”

“The previous instances where we have had presidents nominating people and  having people vetted by parliament, we should move beyond that. If we can have a way of advertising, of making it competitive; though it’s not spelt out in the constitution and the electoral commissions act, it will help us,” he observed.

“I will also advise that though it’s an opportunity for the president to appoint all seven, I will adivse that he should look beyond politics; he should look at competence and he should look at people who will be able to stand the test of time; people who will be able to prevent some of these infractions from happening,” he added.

Read also: Information Minister explains dismissal of EC officials

Background

President Akufo-Addo last Thursday dismissed the Chairperson of the EC, Mrs Charlotte Osei and her two deputies, Mr Amadu Sulley and Mrs Georgina Opoku Amankwah, from office following a recommendation by a committee set up by the Chief Justice, Justice Sophia Akuffo, to investigate alleged acts of corruption against the three by Ghanaian citizens.

Some staff of the EC also petitioned President Akufo-Addo to remove Mrs Osei from office over allegations of fraud and financial malfeasance, as well as abuse of office.
 
 
 
 
 

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