The Director of IT and Elections for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Edward Omane Boamah has raised pressing concerns over the welfare and conditions of Electoral Commission (EC) staff, attributing their current hardships to neglect by the leadership of the EC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
In a detailed and impassioned message, he called for an end to this perceived disregard, promising that these issues would be a priority under a prospective National Democratic Congress administration led by former President John Dramani Mahama.
“We are wishing the Electoral Commission of Ghana fruitful deliberations in advance of their crucial meeting tomorrow with District Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers, Returning Officers and Deputy Returning Officers and their bosses.
“We pray for journey mercy as you all travel from far and near to converge at the Kofi Ohene-Konadu Auditorium (UPSA), the very venue President John Dramani Mahama has often been speaking to the nation, since 2020”.
Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Director of IT and Elections of NDC
He emphasised the symbolic nature of the venue, noting its importance as the site where the National Democratic Congress leader and flagbearer, former President Mahama has frequently addressed the nation since 2020, highlighting his commitment to democratic values and transparent governance.
Call for Urgent Attention to Collective Bargaining and Benefits
A prominent theme of Dr. Boamah’s message centred around the lack of adequate support for EC staff, particularly in relation to the long-stalled Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Tier 2 pension contributions, fuel, and risk allowances.
He reassured EC staff that these issues would be directly addressed under former President President Mahama’s administration, positioning their welfare as a top priority from “January 2025.”
“Your Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) will be a critical item on President Mahama’s priority list from January 2025,” Dr Boamah promised, signaling a decisive change from what he described as the current administration’s lack of support for EC workers and their needs.
A Vision for Restoring Dignity to the EC
Dr. Boamah further underscored the NDC’s commitment to restoring the Electoral Commission’s standing as a “bastion of transparent, free, and fair elections in Africa.”
Noting concerns about the leadership at the Electoral Commission’s headquarters, he assured EC staff that a future Mahama administration would work collaboratively with them to undertake necessary reforms.
These reforms, he suggested, would be instrumental in bringing back the Commission’s long-standing reputation as an institution trusted to uphold democratic values.
Advocating for Strict Adherence to C.I. 127
Looking ahead to the critical December 7 elections, Dr. Boamah encouraged EC staff to adhere closely to Constitutional Instrument 127 (C.I.127), which governs Ghana’s electoral procedures and is fundamental to ensuring fair elections.
He called for vigilance and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law in election management, echoing the NDC’s broader call for transparency and integrity in the democratic process.
A Message to EC Staff and Ghanaians at Large
For Dr. Boamah, the challenges faced by EC staff mirror those endured by “millions of suffering Ghanaians” under the current administration, linking the plight of the EC’s workforce to the struggles of everyday citizens.
He urged the staff, and Ghanaians at large, to vote decisively on December 7, viewing the upcoming elections as a critical juncture for change.
“President Mahama will support you to reform the Commission in order to restore its once treasured dignity,” he declared, urging both EC staff and the Ghanaian populace to hold onto hope and resilience as they approach the election date.
His message not only advocated for reforms within the EC but also signalled a broader call for systemic change across government institutions.
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