Charlotte Osei’s credibility suffered because an ‘incumbent’ govt appointed her – Rawlings

Founder of the largest opposition party the National Democratic Congress, former President Jerry John Rawlings has said the last Electoral Commissioners “suffered suspicions” because they were appointed by an incumbent.

In June 2015, then President John Dramani Mahama in accordance with Article 70(2) of the 1992 Constitution, appointed Mrs. Charlotte Osei as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana.

A statement signed by then Chief of Staff Julius Debrah said Mrs. Osei who replaced Dr. Kwadwo Afari Gyan was appointed on merit. Before her appointment, she was the Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education.

Mr Mahama went ahead to appoint other members of the commission who have all been removed from office from 2017 to date with a new team in place.

Suspicion

Former President Jerry Rawlings speaking during the launch of the Eminent Advisory Committee by the Electoral Commission (EC) at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra on Tuesday said there is an atmosphere of suspicion around the EC as a body.

According to him, the establishment of an advisory board was “a wise decision” as it will “help to remove the suspicions people have about the Commission.”

Mr. Rawlings said the last Commission [led by Mrs Charlotte Osei] suffered suspicions because it was appointed by the government in power.

The committee, she stated will serve as a window between the Commission and the public, stating that while the committee will serve to inform the public on the workings of the Commission, the committee members will also serve to pass on concerns from various members of the public to the Commission.