Accra:Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, Alhassan Suhuyini, has expressed concerns about the perceived bias of the seven commissioners appointed to the Electoral Commission (EC) under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, suggesting they were seen as favoring the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to Ghana Web, Suhuyini pointed out that the backgrounds and associations of some of the appointees raised doubts about the commission's impartiality when dealing with both the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Suhuyini highlighted EC Chairperson Jean Mensa's previous role at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), noting her past conflicts with the NDC. He questioned her suitability for a position requiring neutrality, stating that her history with the NDC would have been a disqualifying factor for him if he were making the appointment.
He further elaborated that Mensa's past disagreements with the NDC during her civil society work were problematic for someone expected to serve impartially between the country's major political parties. Suhuyini shared these thoughts during an interview on Joy News.
Additionally, Suhuyini mentioned the backgrounds of other commissioners, including a former NPP IT director and individuals with familial or associative ties to the party. Although he conceded that these connections did not necessarily indicate bias in their actions, he asserted that they contributed to the perception of bias surrounding the commission.
Suhuyini concluded by emphasizing the need for appointing commissioners whose backgrounds do not compromise the confidence in the EC's neutrality, underscoring the controversy's significance for maintaining public trust in the electoral process.