Sunyani:The Convention's People Party (CPP) has expressed deep disappointment regarding the recent appointments made by President John Dramani Mahama to the Electoral Commission (EC). The appointments in question are those of Mrs. Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr. Joseph Kweku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the EC.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ali Dayinday, the Bono Regional Chairman of the CPP, criticized the appointments, stating that they jeopardize the independence of the EC as a constitutional body. He described the situation as unfortunate, pointing out that both the National Democratic Party (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have historically undermined the EC's autonomy.
Mr. Dayinday warned that the politicization of the EC could have dire consequences for the country's electoral processes. He noted that the current trend of turning the EC into an extension of party affiliations is a significant error. He recalled the criticism faced by the previous administration of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for appointing Dr. Peter Appiahene, a known NPP member, to the EC in 2023.
Mr. Dayinday emphasized that the CPP had hoped President Mahama would avoid repeating such partisan appointments, but was disappointed to see otherwise. He urged that no known members of either the NDC or NPP should be appointed to the EC to maintain its independence, which he believes is in the nation's supreme interest.