"We are part of the problem. we make EC work difficult "- Kufuor

Saturday, July 6, 2019 Policy

Source: Ghananewsagency.org

2019-07-06

Former President John Kofi Agyekum Kufuor has expressed confidence in the Electoral Commission (EC) so that it lives up to its expectations.

"During your short term, I am impressed by your work. I am comfortable, especially with the approach of engaging with stakeholders. I am the EC by far and I know that the affairs of the commission are managed fairly, "he said.

"I'm not too surprised because I know your integrity, your professionalism and your exemplary work that contributed to the growth of the Institute of Economics Affairs when you ran this organization."

He advised the EC not to yield to political party pressure but to remain firm, transparent and professional, and to take decisive decisions to ensure peace in all its electoral activities.

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

His two badistants, Mr Samuel Tettey, Commissioner for Operations, and Mr Bossman Eric Asare, Commissioner for Central Services, and Ms Adwoa Asuama Abrefa, Commissioner.

The visit was part of the Commission's efforts to explain its activities, to bring the Commission closer to stakeholders and to give it an opportunity to know first hand the concerns and problems concerning its activities.

The EC delegation was received by the former President, Mr. Kwadwo Mpiani, former Chief of Staff and other staff members.

He welcomed the EC's transformation agenda and urged the Commission to equip its staff with the necessary training to ensure the smooth running of the electoral process, as the EC was a pivot around which the political system was evolving.

"Wherever there is power, there is tension because everyone wants to be at the top to manage it, but the arbitrator has the duty to guarantee fairness and impartiality" , did he declare.

"Your local agents must reflect the integrity you work with. They have to do their job without compromise.

"Do not expect political parties to like you. The constitution enjoins you to be a good arbiter and to ensure that the right things are done in the interest of the state. The stability of the nation will depend on your work.

"I think 2020 will be crucial for Ghana and many countries are turning to it. We must therefore prepare ourselves for the events before, during, after. Use the best practices to organize the elections and be firm ".

The past president encouraged the EC to continue the inter-party advisory committee meetings and listen to constructive concerns to improve its work.

Mr Mpiani said that the EC had not opened up to its stakeholders over the years, so that the opposing political parties constantly had problems with the Commission.

"We politicians are part of the EC problem. I have had the opportunity to engage with the EC and I think politicians make the work of the EC very difficult, "he said.

To strengthen the work of the EC, he suggested that it engage competent and competent people at the local level to administer the electoral processes.

He advised the EC to open up to all politicians and the public on its operations in order to gain their confidence and reduce tensions.

Ms Mensa said the Commission acknowledged the immense contribution of former President Kufuor to Ghana's political dispensation, hence the decision to go on-site to seek sound advice and partnership. .

Ms Mensa reiterated that the Commission was on the point of pursuing an open door policy and would provide equal conditions for all political parties to ensure credible, transparent, free and fair elections.

She informed them of the start of the process to put in place a strong administrative governance structure to correct failures at the EC.