Member of Parliament (MP) for Akwatia, Hon. Bernard Bediako Baidoo has pushed back against attempts to draw President John Dramani Mahama into the ongoing petition seeking the removal of the Electoral Commission’s (EC) leadership, insisting that the President remains focused on national development and not political distractions.
His comments come at a time of elevated scrutiny over the EC’s operations, with critics arguing that alleged mismanagement and political interference warrant institutional reforms. The MP stressed, however, that Ghana’s constitutional framework already provides a clear process for handling petitions, one that does not obligate the President to intervene.
In discussing the petition saga, the Akwatia MP underscored the importance of “humility and accountability,” as central pillars of public service, reminding officials across government that their authority exists within constitutional limits and noting that not even the highest office in the country is exempt.
“It’s all good so that when you’re given an office to serve the people, you know you’re not absolute. At the end of the day, even if the President himself can be impeached, then you should know that someday, somebody may put your actions before the entire nation. So let’s be careful”
Hon. Bernard Bediako Baidoo, MP for Akwatia
He argued that public institutions are strengthened when leaders acknowledge their own limits, particularly in a constitutional democracy where oversight is essential.
He insisted that the petition before the government about the Electoral Commission should be treated as a constitutional process rather than a political battle, reinforcing that the President cannot – and must not – attempt to interfere.
President Not Distracted
The Akwatia MP was emphatic in clarifying President Mahama’s approach to such issues. He maintained that the President remains focused on the real governance issues of the day, not on controversies over institutional leadership.
“The President has better things to do, honestly. Let me put it bluntly; the President is fixing the economy and doing things to improve the lives of ordinary Ghanaians. He is not interested in who becomes the next EC chair”
Hon. Bernard Bediako Baidoo, MP for Akwatia
He added that petitions brought to the Presidency are immediately forwarded to the Chief Justice, as constitutionally required. This process, he argued, ensures that outcomes are based on law rather than political pressure.
For him, those expecting the President to intervene misunderstand both his priorities and the constitutional architecture governing the Electoral Commission. “The President will not even look at it,” he added.
The MP’s comments positioned the President not merely as an observer but as a leader committed to growth, infrastructure, and stability – priorities he believes must take precedence over politically charged debates.
Kpandai Rerun
Turning to the upcoming Kpandai rerun, Hon. Baidoo offered a broader reflection on leadership, democracy, and Ghana’s political culture. He argued that while elections remain the formal mechanism for choosing leaders, they are not the only measure of effective leadership.
He referenced the respected roles of chiefs in community development and governance, pointing out that many traditional leaders wield influence without ever being elected. His perspective offered a counterbalance to criticisms circulating around the rerun process.
“Elections don’t always produce the best, but that’s the choice we have. We have no other route in a democracy, but we all know leadership excellence doesn’t only come from elections.”
Hon. Bernard Bediako Baidoo, MP for Akwatia
He noted that the excitement within Kpandai reflects a constituency eager to exercise its democratic right, regardless of who ultimately wins.
According to him, the rerun offers residents a renewed opportunity to make their voices heard, reinforcing the core of Ghana’s democratic ethos, adding that the outcome may even favour the incumbent, depending on the will of the people.
The Akwatia MP consistently turned to the theme of national focus – insisting that Ghana’s development trajectory under President Mahama must not be overshadowed by political skirmishes or attempts to draw the Presidency into matters that are clearly within judicial and constitutional jurisdiction.
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