Accra:Kwame Asare Obeng, known as A Plus, has criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for what he describes as double standards regarding President John Dramani Mahama's recent appointments in the Electoral Commission (EC). A Plus, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), argues that successive governments have contributed to the politicization of state institutions, including the EC.
According to Ghana Web, A Plus expressed his views in a Facebook post, mocking the NPP's opposition to the appointments of Dr. Joseph Kwaku Asamoah and Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairpersons of the EC. He suggested that the NPP had previously benefited from similar appointments while in power and criticized the party's inconsistent stance on political appointments.
A Plus also used a football analogy to criticize the NPP and suggested that the NDC had learned from the NPP's past strategies. His comments were made amid a growing debate on the independence and political neutrality of the EC following the recent appointments, which filled vacancies left by former deputy chairpersons.
The appointments have sparked criticism from opposition figures due to concerns about political affiliations and public confidence in the electoral management body. A Plus emphasized that the controversy highlights a broader issue in Ghanaian politics, where parties defend practices when advantageous but criticize them when power shifts.
He highlighted that institutions such as the Police Service, the Military, and the EC have become embroiled in partisan politics, extending even to local government elections. A Plus humorously noted that political considerations influence daily life, with changes in government affecting public facility management.
A Plus called for an honest assessment of politically influenced appointments and challenged the NPP to apply consistent standards regardless of which party is in power. The controversy has reignited discussions on the appointment process for Ghana's Electoral Commission members and the need for safeguards to maintain its independence.