The Founding President and Chief Executive Officer of policy think-tank, IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, Franklin Cudjoe has underscored the urgent need for the Electoral Commission of Ghana to apologize for disenfranchising the residents of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) during the 2020 election.
Mr Cudjoe, in a scathing critique of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, cited several criticisms made by some leading journalists against the commission in its recent statement denying any responsibility regarding the disenfranchisement of the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) during the 2020 elections.
“Many of such right thinking Journalists and media houses such as the JOY SMS crew, Mamavi Owusu-Aboagye, Kojo Yankson, Raymond Acquah and Winston Amoah have this morning called on the EC to apologise for the wrong did to the people of SALL”.
Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President IMANI Centre for Policy and Education
According to Mr Cudjoe, the sentiments and criticisms expressed by such individuals against the commission following its recent statement underscored the widespread public disappointment in the manner in which the Electoral Commission of Ghana under the leadership of Madam Jean Mensah handle the disenfranchisement of the residents of SALL.
He condemned the Electoral Commission for its “lame and dishonest attempt” to evade responsibility for the disenfranchisement of the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) during the 2020 elections.
Mr Cudjoe also emphasized the unpardonable nature of the Commission’s lead role in the disenfranchisement of the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) during the 2020 elections., highlighting the ongoing dissatisfaction among the general public to underscore his argument.
EC’s Failure to Provide Representation for SALL
Furthermore, the Founding President of IMANI Centre for Policy and Education recounted how several seasoned journalists and respected media houses have persistently questioned the Electoral Commission about its failure to ensure representation for the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) following their denial to participate in the 2020 parliamentary elections almost four years after the event.
He strongly asserted that despite the Electoral Commission’s claim that the process was interrupted by a parliamentary recess in 2020, the Commission had ample opportunity to resume and complete the process the following year or subsequent years.
Mr Cudjoe referenced media professionals, who have pointed out that by-elections for instance are typically organized within weeks following the demise of Members of Parliament, arguing that Parliament, which operates by its own rules, could have easily provided guidance to the Electoral Commission to address the lack of representation of the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) aftermath of the 2020 elections.
He thus emphasized that the Electoral Commission’s excuse of being unaware or unable to act to address the concerns of the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) is insufficient and disingenuous.
The renowned political communicator and activist concluded his remarks by endorsing what he describes as the recent media call for the Electoral Commission to issue an unreserved apology to the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) following their disenfranchisement during the 2020 elections.
He commended all journalists and media houses who are holding the Electoral Commission accountable for its actions, describing them as “valiant defenders of freedom”.
In an earlier statement, Oliver Barker Vormawor, leader of the ‘Fix the Country Movement’, and other petitioners condemned the Electoral Commission of Ghana for denying responsibility over its role leading to the disenfranchisement of the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi in the Oti Region.
The “SALL controversy” dates back to the 2020 general elections, during which residents of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) were unable to vote in the parliamentary elections following directives issued by the Electoral Commission of Ghana on the eve of December 7, 2020.
The directive by the Electoral Commission has left the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi without representation in Parliament since January 7 2021, sparking outrage and demands for rectification.
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