The founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, has advised the Electoral Commission (EC) ahead of the 2024 general Elections.
He expressed grave concerns about the current state of Ghana’s democracy and the Electoral Commission (EC). Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe conveyed deep dissatisfaction with how matters are being handled by the EC and emphasized the need for reforms to safeguard Ghana’s democratic integrity. His critique covered issues with voter transfers, the EC’s attitude towards opposition concerns, and the potential consequences if the problems he outlined were not addressed. Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe voiced frustration over the EC’s leadership, particularly focusing on the EC Chair Jean Mensah. According to him, their recent pronouncements raised serious doubts about their qualifications for overseeing the nation’s electoral processes.
“Now, the sort of pronouncements they come out with, you ask yourself, are these people qualified to be in that seat?”
Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe the founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
While the EC has maintained that it is working to ensure free and fair elections, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe believes otherwise. He argued that the EC’s refusal to adequately address concerns raised by political parties, particularly the opposition NDC, could undermine the integrity of the upcoming elections.
A Warning to Ghana’s Democracy
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe did not mince words when discussing the potential consequences of the EC’s actions. He reiterated; “If this nation is not careful, the EC will lead us into destruction.” This warning reflected the gravity with which he views the current situation, emphasizing that the political climate has deteriorated rather than improved in recent years. One of the central issues raised by Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe is the controversy surrounding illegal voter transfers. He referenced the NDC’s complaint that there had been over 200,000 voter transfers that were conducted without proper authorization. While the EC has dismissed these claims, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe remains unconvinced by their explanation.
He referred to the EC’s response that the transfers were legitimate and part of a process dating back to 2020. The EC claimed that the NDC’s concerns were unfounded, as the transfers were done under electoral procedures. In response to this, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe.
“I’m not convinced… You see, I keep on telling you that journalists have a great role to play in this country. Such a person should have been confronted immediately by journalists, not necessarily a politician.”
Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe the founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
According to Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe, the EC must listen to concerns raised by political parties, regardless of their origin. He lamented the commission’s apparent disregard for the NDC’s concerns, pointing out that the EC itself admitted the existence of voter transfers but failed to address the specific details of these transfers.
“If a single political party out of the many that we have here comes out with a concern, it is the duty of the EC to listen to it.”
Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe the founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe highlighted that without proper checks, the EC’s actions could undermine Ghana’s democratic process.
Lessons from History: The 2020 Election Violence
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe expressed his concerns about the aftermath of the 2020 general elections. He reminded the public that Ghana cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. He noted; “Look at the number of lives lost. We shouldn’t joke with this at all.”
In his view, the loss of life in the 2020 elections serves as a stark reminder that electoral issues can have severe consequences, and he urged the EC to be mindful of the potential for unrest if these concerns go unaddressed.
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe suggested that the current EC leadership should seek guidance from more experienced individuals, such as former EC Chair Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan. He believes that consulting someone with Dr. Afari-Gyan’s vast experience would benefit the electoral process and help restore trust in the EC.
“If I were Jean Mensa, I wouldn’t hesitate to approach him.” This statement reflected Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe’s belief that the current leadership needs wisdom and experience to navigate the complexities of organizing a credible election.
Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe the founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
The Future of Ghana’s Democracy
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe questioned the future of Ghana’s democracy under the current political administration. He expressed disappointment with President Nana Akufo-Addo, whom he had long regarded as a democrat. He noted; “I get surprised about my friend Akufo-Addo. I have known him to be a Democrat. He should have been the last person to allow this.”
His disappointment underscored the deep concern he feels about the state of governance in Ghana and the role of the EC in upholding democratic principles. Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe’s remarks reflected a deep worry about Ghana’s current political trajectory. His warning about the EC’s role in the country’s electoral future and his call for experience and reform highlighted the importance of addressing these concerns before the next general elections. His critique served as a reminder that democracy requires constant vigilance and that the actions of institutions like the EC can have lasting consequences for the stability of the nation.
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