The founding member of the New Patriotic Party and Statesman, Dr. Nyaho-Nyaho Tamakloe has berated the appointment of members of political parties in to the Electoral Commission.
Speaking at a press conference held by Ghana Today Coalition Statesmen in Accra on Wednesday, October 11 2023, the seasoned politician and diplomat indicated that the situation strongly undermines the independent of the Electoral Commission as enshrined in the 1992 constitution.
He also decried of the intolerant attitude the Electoral Commission against voices of dissent during the just ended limited voter registration exercise by the Commission.
“Lately, government has put in positions known party functionaries, particularly communicators; political communicators as members of the Electoral Commission. We also find it difficult to believe the hostile posture of the Electoral Commission towards concern of stakeholders during the just ended voter registration exercise. This is very worrying”.
Dr. Nyaho-Nyaho Tamakloe
According to Dr. Nyaho Tamakoe, the poor performance of the Electoral Commission is a serious challenge towards Ghana’s democracy ahead of the 2024 General elections.
Dr. Nyaho Tamakloe Calls For The Independence Of The EC
The outspoken statesman further called for the country to strengthen the independence of the Electoral Commission by taking the appointing power from the executive President.
According to him the Electoral Commission should be made more independent by amending the 1992 Constitution to require that members of the Electoral Commission are appointed by an independent body and not the President.
Moreover, Dr. Nyaho-Nyaho Tamakloe admonished the Electoral Commission to adopt good governance practices and best standards to improve the discharge of its mandate.
“The EC should be more transparent and accountable to the general public by publishing regular information about its activities and finances. The EC should establishe a more effective system of handling complaints and grievances. The EC should conduct regular audit of its operations to identify and address weaknesses”.
Dr. Nyaho-Nyaho Tamakloe
Again, Dr. Nyaho Tamakloe called on government to undertake urgent measures to address the economic challenges that the country faces to avoid any military intervention in the affairs of the country as evidenced in the sub region in recent times.
“We need to be alert knowing that there is constant military overthrow in Africa. The very reason all this coup de’tat are happening in Africa are also being experienced in Ghana. So government must urgently address these important matters as 2024 is an elections year”.
Dr. Nyaho-Nyaho Tamakloe
Additionally, Dr. Nyaho-Nyaho Tamakloe also called on the moral society, especially leading members of societies to speak against the inefficiencies of the current government like they did in the past.
He noted that the failure on the part of the moral society to hold the current government accountable undermines the tenant of democracy and good governance which could derail the gains the country has made over the years.
“We need all those individuals who constantly spoke truth to power some years ago to emerge from their self-imposed exile to speak to the government we have now. Where are the Otabil’s, Duncan Williams, Reverend Martey, Archbishop Palmer Buckle, Dag Heward Mills, the many Civil Societies Organizations and critical journalists? We need to speak truth to power to help maintain peace in this country we have so far”.
Dr. Nyaho-Nyaho Tamakloe
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