Akufo-Addo swears in three members of the Electoral Commission
President Nana Akufo-Addo has sworn into office three members of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana. They are Rev Akua Ofori Boateng, Salima Armed Tijani and Dr Peter Appiahene.
Their appointment is in line with Article 43 (1 and 2) of the 1992 constitution which states that, “there shall be an Electoral Commission which shall consist of a chairman, two deputy chairmen, and four other members. The members of the commission shall be appointed by President under article 70 of this Constitution.”
Quality work
At a brief swearing in ceremony held at the Jubilee House on Monday 20 March 2023, President Akufo-Addo after administering three oaths (oath of office, oath of allegiance and oath of secrecy) to the three, noted that they “have come to office some 21 months to the 2024 general elections and at a time when Ghana seeks to entrench her credentials as a beacon of democracy in Africa”.
“It is the quality of your work that will reassure the Ghana people that the democratic system of government that they have chosen for their governance will be properly nurtured by an electoral system that allows their voice to be plainly and loudly heard,” Akufo-Addo said.
“As you begin work, you will find no honeymoon period neither will you be afforded the chance to settle into your new responsibilities. I have nevertheless, confidence in you and in your abilities to surmount the hurdles before you.
“Remember now more than ever that every decision you take will be scrutinised to the letter. That, however, should not scare you and indeed, let know one try to cow you into submission.
“On the contrary, let this expectation of the Ghanaian people spur you onto great heights and above all, work so that the will of the Ghanaian people is upheld,” Akufo-Addo added.
Poised to work
Dr Appiahene in his response on behalf of the other two expressed gratitude to the president for the appointment and to the council of state for supporting their nomination.
“We are greatly humbled, honoured, motivated and we finally see this appointment as a sense of duty. We also accept this appointment in the symbolism of a fresh journey ahead of us.
“A journey to meet the high expectation of the various stakeholders, especially the over 31 million Ghanaians,” Dr Appiahene said.
“We are aware of the massive responsibilities and tasks that come with it. We want to state that we are poised, prepared to deliver and to contribute to the development of our democracy, especially in this digital era,” he added.
The EC
The Electoral Commission is one of the governance institutions provided under the 1992 constitution. The Commission was established by the Electoral Commission Act (Act 451) of 1993. It was set up purposely to manage the conduct of all public elections and referenda, to handle all matters directly related to the conduct of elections in the country.
The EC is currently chaired by Jean Mensa. Dr Bossman Eric Asare is the deputy chairman responsible for corporate affairs and Samuel Tettey, is the second deputy chairman in charge of operations.
