Election Watch Ghana Urges President Mahama to Appoint Transformational Leaders to Electoral Commission

Election Watch Ghana has called on President John Dramani Mahama to appoint transformational and credible leaders to the Electoral Commission (EC) following the impending departure of two senior officials of the election management body.

The group believes the vacancies present an opportunity to strengthen public confidence in the Commission and enhance the credibility of Ghana’s electoral processes.

The call comes after the announcement that Deputy Chairperson in charge of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bossman Asare, and Deputy Chairperson in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey, will both leave office on July 31, 2026. Dr. Asare is expected to return to academia, while Mr. Tettey will retire from the Commission.

In a statement issued on June 16, Election Watch Ghana argued that the tenure of the outgoing officials was characterised by declining public confidence and growing concerns over the Commission’s performance.

According to the group, the next generation of Electoral Commission leaders must focus on rebuilding trust, improving transparency and enhancing the efficiency of electoral administration.

The organisation urged President Mahama to appoint deputy commissioners who are committed to innovation and capable of leveraging modern technology to improve voter management, results transmission and collation processes.

Election Watch Ghana maintained that technological advancement and greater transparency are essential to ensuring credible, timely and trustworthy elections in the future.

The group also opposed the elevation of certain junior officials currently serving within the Commission to the vacant positions, arguing that such appointments would not contribute to restoring public confidence in the institution.

According to the statement, the country requires individuals with proven integrity, strong public credibility and unquestionable professionalism to assume leadership roles within the Electoral Commission.

Beyond the appointments, Election Watch Ghana expressed concerns about the constitutional process used to select Electoral Commission officials. The organisation argued that the current system, under which appointments are made by the President in consultation with the Council of State, has contributed to perceptions of political influence and weakened confidence in the Commission’s independence.

The group therefore called for a more transparent, inclusive and merit-based appointment process that places national interest above partisan considerations.

It further stressed that incoming deputy commissioners must demonstrate impartiality, accountability and a commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s democratic system.

Election Watch Ghana concluded by expressing hope that the new appointments would help strengthen the Electoral Commission’s credibility and restore public trust in the electoral process ahead of future elections.