ADAM-GH Calls for Overhaul of Ghana's Electoral Commission Amid Allegations of Bias

 


Story by Mizpah Ampem Darko.


Accra, Ghana – The Alliance for Development and Mobilization (ADAM-GH) has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) amid accusations of bias and partisanship. Emmanuel Azubila, Executive Secretary of ADAM-GH, made the appeal during a press conference on Monday, December 23, 2024, expressing concerns about the EC’s alleged lack of neutrality and its impact on Ghana’s democracy.


Azubila specifically accused the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, and her leadership team of favoring the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). According to him, the EC has selectively applied the law to benefit the NPP, disregarding its own decisions when unfavorable to the party. He described the commission’s actions as a “big threat to Ghana’s democracy,” suggesting that its conduct is eroding public trust in the electoral system.


Allegations of Mismanagement in Parliamentary Elections


The ADAM-GH executive secretary raised serious concerns about the EC’s handling of the recent parliamentary elections. He criticized the process of vote recollation in several constituencies, claiming it was “shambolic” and conducted without the involvement of agents from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). Azubila also questioned the EC’s acceptance of allegations made under duress by some returning officers, arguing that available video evidence did not substantiate such claims.


Azubila commended President-elect John Dramani Mahama and the NDC leadership for instructing their party agents and supporters to boycott what he termed the “shambolic recollation process.” He argued that this decision prevented a potential political crisis in the country.


Declining Public Confidence in the Electoral Commission


Highlighting a significant drop in voter turnout during the 2024 general elections, which stood at 60%, Azubila called the figure a “warning signal” of diminishing public trust in the EC. He attributed this mistrust to the leadership of Jean Mensa, urging a national conversation on reforming the EC to restore public confidence.


“The lack of trust in the Electoral Commission is undermining our democracy,” Azubila stated. “We need a neutral body that can build confidence among all stakeholders and citizens.”


Proposals for Electoral Reform


Azubila called on the NDC to use “legitimate and peaceful means” to contest parliamentary seats they believe were unfairly taken from them. He also urged Ghanaians to unite in demanding reforms to ensure a fair and impartial EC. As part of the solution, he suggested constitutional amendments to reform the process of appointing electoral commissioners.


Parliament, he noted, should re-examine the current appointment system and explore ways to make the EC more accountable and nonpartisan.


Moving Forward


ADAM-GH’s demands echo growing concerns among sections of the public and political commentators about the impartiality of Ghana’s electoral management body. The allegations of bias and mismanagement have sparked discussions about the integrity of the country’s democratic processes.


Azubila concluded by emphasizing the need to “sanitize the EC” to rebuild trust in Ghana’s electoral system and ensure the preservation of the country’s democratic gains. Whether these calls will lead to substantive changes remains to be seen, but they highlight an urgent need for dialogue and reform in Ghana’s electoral landscape.

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