Former President Mahama urges EC to guarantee equal conditions for all

By Yaw Ansah, RNG

Accra, July 10, GNA – Former President John Dramani Mahama urged the Electoral Commission to continue to put in place a level playing field to gain the trust of all stakeholders.

He recalled Ms. Mensa's immense contribution to the development of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), which helped to advance democracy in the country.

"I knew you at IEA and your remarkable references are, I hope, a continuum," he said.

Former President Mahama said that when Ms. Jean Mensa, President of the EC, led a team of EC Commissioners to pay her a courtesy visit to Accra.

His two badistants, Mr. Samuel Tettey, Vice President, Operations, Dr. Bossman Eric Asare, Vice President, Corporate Services, and Ms. Adwoa Asuama Abrefa, Commissioner.

The visit was part of the EC's effort to explain its activities, bring the Commission closer to stakeholders, and give it an opportunity to hear directly about the concerns and issues it faces.

The EC team was welcomed jointly by former President Mahama, Mr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, National Democratic Congress (NDC) National President, Mr. Edward Omane Boamah, a former minister, Mr. Julius Debrah, the former chief of staff, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, secretary general of the NDC, and other party officials.

Former President Mahama commended the EC for engaging in stakeholder consultation, adding that it marked the beginning of building trust.

With transparency, trust and fairness, he said that stakeholders would accept the outcome of the elections, which would help advance the country's peace and development.

He said that Ghana was a glimmer of hope on a global scale and had given badurances that his office and the party would support the commission so that it could consolidate democratic powers. from the country.

Former President Mahama said that he had been involved in the country's electoral process since the time of the opaque ballot boxes until the biometric system and that he was badured of his partnership with the EC.

He took the opportunity to discuss issues arising during the 2016 election at an in camera meeting.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said that the NDC had contributed in various ways to the deepening and the evolution of electoral processes in the country.

In the opinion of the NDC National President, the party was open-minded and would continue to make constructive suggestions for improving the work of the EC.

"Whatever our contribution as a party, we do it in good faith. We want the Commission to succeed, because if it does, it facilitates peace and development, "he said.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said that the party had acknowledged that the work of the Commission was essential and depended on the security of the country.

Ms Mensa recalled that this visit was part of the Commission's efforts to open up its activities, create a partnership and create channels of communication between the EC and stakeholders.

"We welcome constructive criticism and we will continue to pursue an open door policy to help build a united country," she said.

Ms Mensa said the Commission acknowledged the immense contribution of former President Mahama to Ghana's political dispensation, hence the decision to go to the country to seek his partnership.

GNA