Election Watch Ghana has renewed calls for reforms to Ghana’s electoral governance framework, urging President John Dramani Mahama to seize the opportunity presented by impending vacancies at the Electoral Commission (EC) to strengthen public confidence in the country’s democratic processes.
The advocacy group made the appeal following the announcement that two senior EC officials—Deputy Chairperson in charge of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bossman Asare, and Deputy Chairperson in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey—will leave office on July 31, 2026. Dr. Asare is expected to return to academia, while Mr. Tettey will retire after years of service at the Commission.
In a statement issued on June 16, Election Watch Ghana argued that the upcoming appointments should go beyond simply filling vacant positions and instead serve as a catalyst for rebuilding trust in the EC.
According to the group, concerns over transparency, consistency, and public confidence have characterized the tenure of the outgoing officials, making it necessary for the next generation of leaders to introduce meaningful reforms.
The organisation called for the appointment of deputy commissioners with a strong commitment to innovation, efficiency, and accountability. It stressed the need for electoral leaders capable of embracing modern technology to improve voting operations, result transmission, and collation processes to enhance the credibility of future elections.
Election Watch Ghana also cautioned against promoting existing junior officers within the Commission to the top deputy positions, arguing that such appointments would not inspire the level of public trust required to restore confidence in the institution.
“The people of Ghana deserve leaders with unquestionable integrity and credibility who can help transform the Electoral Commission,” the group stated.
Beyond the appointments, Election Watch Ghana used the occasion to advocate broader reforms to the constitutional process governing EC appointments. The group contended that the current arrangement, under which the President appoints commissioners in consultation with the Council of State, lacks sufficient transparency and fuels perceptions of political influence.
It therefore called for a more open, inclusive, and merit-based appointment system that places national interest above partisan considerations.
The group further emphasized that any new appointees must demonstrate professionalism, impartiality, and a firm commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s democratic credentials.
Election Watch Ghana expressed hope that the incoming deputy commissioners would provide the leadership necessary to help restore trust in the electoral process and reinforce the independence and effectiveness of the Electoral Commission.
