A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Tema West Constituency, Sammy Darkwa, has called for a deliberate effort to build a strong, independent Electoral Commission (EC) that serves the national interest rather than being controlled for political advantage.
His remarks come after Election Watch Ghana called on President John Dramani Mahama to appoint transformational leaders to the Electoral Commission following the resignation and retirement of two senior officials of the election management body.
The group stated that the departures present an opportunity to restore public confidence in the Commission and strengthen the credibility of Ghana’s electoral system.
Deputy Chairperson of the EC in charge of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bossman Asare, and Deputy Chairperson in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey, are both set to leave office on July 31, 2026. While Dr. Asare is returning to academia, Mr. Tettey is retiring from the Commission.
In a statement issued on June 16, 2026, Election Watch Ghana argued that the tenure of the outgoing officials was characterized by declining public trust and concerns about the Commission’s performance.
Speaking on Nkosuo Nsem on Plan B FM with host Kofi Sekyi, Sammy Darkwa said successive governments have sought to influence state institutions, including the Electoral Commission, for political gain, a practice he believes has undermined their effectiveness and eroded public confidence.
He stressed the need for political leaders to prioritize strengthening the EC and safeguarding its independence to ensure the continued credibility of Ghana’s democratic process.
Darkwa further argued that the NPP has a stronger track record in managing free, fair, and transparent elections. He cited initiatives such as the introduction of transparent ballot boxes and improvements in the use and functionality of electoral technology as examples of reforms implemented under NPP administrations to enhance electoral integrity.
He maintained that future appointments to the Commission should be guided by competence, integrity, and a commitment to strengthening public trust in the electoral process.
By: Bernard Mensah |Planbfmonline.com
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