The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has dismissed allegations of declining public trust in its ability to conduct free and fair elections. These concerns were raised in a recent Afrobarometer report by the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), which highlighted perceived skepticism about the Commission’s independence.
Dr. Eric Bossman Asare, the EC’s Deputy Chairperson in charge of Corporate Services, refuted these claims, describing them as unfounded. Speaking in a media interview, Dr. Asare reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to delivering credible and transparent elections for the December 7 general elections.
He cited Ghana’s consistent reputation as one of Africa’s top performers in election management, emphasizing the EC’s strong track record. “You talk about the quality of elections in Africa; Ghana is one of the best on the continent,” he stated, expressing pride in the nation’s democratic achievements.
To bolster public confidence, Dr. Asare outlined the measures implemented by the EC, including:
– Advanced biometric systems for voter verification.
– Comprehensive training for polling staff.
– Reinforced oversight mechanisms at polling stations.
Dr. Asare also addressed specific concerns from the Afrobarometer report, referencing a nationally broadcast public meeting to demonstrate the EC’s transparency. He reassured Ghanaians that the Commission has “nothing to hide” and remains committed to ensuring every vote is counted and reported accurately.
Urging the public to trust the Commission, he emphasized its history of successfully managing elections without major controversies. Dr. Asare called for a focus on the robust systems in place to ensure credible elections, reiterating the EC’s dedication to maintaining Ghana’s democratic integrity.