Be fair – Mahama to EC chair

Former President John Dramani Mahama has urged the Electoral Commission to continue to ensure a level playing field to court the confidence of all stakeholders.

He recalled Mrs Mensa’s immense contribution towards the growth of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), which had helped to advance democracy in the country.

“I have known you at IEA and your remarkable credentials I trust it will be a continuum”, he said.

Former President Mahama said this when Mrs Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the EC led a team of Commissioners of the EC to pay a courtesy call on him in Accra.

Among the team were her two deputies – Mr Samuel Tettey, the Deputy Chairperson in-charge of Operations, Dr Bossman Eric Asare, the Deputy Chairperson in-charge of Corporate Services and Mrs Adwoa Asuama Abrefa, a Commissioner.

The visit formed part of EC’s efforts to explain its operations, bring the Commission closer to stakeholders and afford the Commission an opportunity to know at first-hand the concerns and issues regarding its operations.

The EC team was jointly welcomed by the Former President Mahama, Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Edward Omane Boamah, a former minister, Mr Julius Debrah, former Chief of Staff, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the General Secretary of NDC, and other party officials.

Former President Mahama commended the EC for embarking on the stakeholders’ consultation, adding that it marked the beginning of confidence building.

With transparent, trust and fairness, he stated that stakeholders would accept the outcome of elections, which would help advance peace and development of the country.

He said Ghana was a beacon of hope globally and gave the assurance that his office and the party would support the commission to succeed to consolidate the democratic credentials of the country.

Former President Mahama recounted that he had been involved in the electoral process of the country since the days of opaque ballot box through to biometric system and assured of his partnership to work with the EC.

He used the opportunity to discuss issues that occurred during the election 2016 at a closed-door meeting.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said the NDC had contributed diversely to the deepening and evolution of the electoral processes in the country.

In the view of the NDC National Chairman, the party was open-minded and would continue to make constructive suggestions to enhance the work of the EC.

“Whatever input that we make as a party, we make it in good faith. We want the Commission to succeed because if they do it facilitates peace and development,” he said.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo stated that the party recognised that the work of the Commission was pivotal and hinged on the security of the country.

Mrs Mensa reiterated that the visit was part of the Commission’s efforts to open up its operations, forge a partnership as well as open up channels of communication between the EC and stakeholders.

“We welcome constructive criticism and we will continue to operate an open-door policy to help build a united country,” she assured.

Mrs Mensa said the Commission recognised the immense contribution of the former President Mahama to the political dispensation of Ghana, hence, the decision to visit to seek his partnership.