CRC Report Proposes Amendments for Appointment, Tenure, and Removal of Ghana’s Electoral Commission Members

Accra: The Constitution Review Committee has put forward significant recommendations for amending procedures related to the appointment, tenure, and removal of Members of the Electoral Commission of Ghana. The report was officially submitted to President John Mahama on Monday, December 22, 2025. According to Ghana News Agency, the Committee advocates for amendments to Articles 217 and 70. These amendments are aimed at ensuring that the Commissioner and each Deputy Commissioner are appointed by the President based on nominations from the reformed Council of State, with the prior approval of Parliament. The Council of State would be tasked with selecting nominees following a transparent and competitive recruitment process managed by the Public Services Commission (PSC). Vacancies would be advertised by the PSC, which would also handle the initial screening, resulting in a shortlist for the Council of State's consideration. Regarding the tenure of the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners, the Committee sugges ts an amendment to Article 223. This would establish a single, non-renewable term of ten years for these positions, or until the age of 65, whichever comes first. Additionally, individuals leaving these positions would face a three-year cooling-off period before being eligible for any other public office. For the removal of these officials, the Committee proposes changes to Article 228. Removal would only be possible on grounds such as a willful violation of law, dereliction of duty, or abuse of power. The petition process would involve submission to the Council of State, which would conduct a preliminary review. If warranted, a five-person independent tribunal would be formed to investigate the matter. The Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner facing removal would be granted due process, including legal representation and the right to cross-examine. The tribunal's recommendations would be submitted to the President by the Council of State, with proceedings conducted in-camera.