Ghana’s former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hannah Tetteh, has called on President-elect John Dramani Mahama to prioritize a comprehensive overhaul of the Electoral Commission (EC) as part of his resetting agenda. Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, December 24, Tetteh expressed serious concerns about the EC’s conduct in recent years, emphasizing the urgent need for significant reforms to restore public confidence in the institution’s neutrality and effectiveness.
The former Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West pointed out that the EC’s approach to election management has created widespread doubts about its objectivity. According to her, this lack of trust poses a serious challenge to the country’s democracy. Tetteh stressed that addressing these issues should be a cornerstone of the incoming administration’s broader agenda to reset governance and tackle systemic inefficiencies.
Her comments come amidst heightened discussions about the role of the EC in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections. Various stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and election observers, have raised concerns about the Commission’s independence, transparency, and accountability. These concerns have fueled calls for a complete review of the EC’s structure and operations to strengthen its credibility and safeguard Ghana’s democratic processes.
“The way in which they have engaged has not exactly allowed people to have confidence in their objectivity and neutrality,” Tetteh remarked. “One of the lessons for the commission after the election should be how to also do a reset because if they don’t do a reset, I worry what people’s perceptions will be of the EC’s neutrality and competence in the elections that we have coming in the future.”
Tetteh’s observations reflect broader public sentiment. Recent elections have exposed gaps in the EC’s operations, with accusations of bias and inefficiency dominating public discourse. Critics argue that these issues have undermined the Commission’s reputation and eroded trust in its ability to deliver credible outcomes. Addressing these concerns, Tetteh underscored the importance of a comprehensive review of the EC’s practices and a clear commitment to doing things differently.
“There has to be a significant review about what it will do differently to improve public confidence because it is currently at an all-time low,” she stated.
Tetteh’s call for reform aligns with the vision outlined by President-elect Mahama during his campaign. Mahama has repeatedly emphasized the need to reset governance by addressing structural deficiencies in key state institutions, including the Electoral Commission. His administration is expected to roll out policies aimed at fostering transparency, inclusivity, and accountability across all sectors.
The call for reforms to the EC also highlights the broader challenges facing electoral bodies in emerging democracies. Experts agree that for an electoral commission to function effectively, it must operate independently, free from political interference, and with the utmost professionalism. In Ghana’s case, achieving these standards requires a deliberate effort to address the shortcomings that have plagued the EC and to rebuild its credibility among citizens.
Tetteh’s remarks have sparked widespread reactions, with political analysts and civil society groups weighing in on the issue. Many have praised her for bringing attention to the matter, describing her comments as timely and necessary. They argue that reforming the EC is critical not only for future elections but also for maintaining the country’s democratic stability.
As discussions around the EC’s role continue, stakeholders are urging the incoming administration to engage in broad consultations to chart a path forward. This includes seeking input from political parties, election observers, and ordinary citizens to ensure that any reforms reflect the collective aspirations of Ghanaians. Such an inclusive approach, they believe, will enhance the legitimacy of the reform process and foster greater public trust in the outcomes.
The success of these reforms will ultimately depend on the political will of the Mahama administration and the ability of the EC to embrace change. Observers note that while the task ahead is daunting, it is not insurmountable. With the right leadership and a commitment to transparency, Ghana has the opportunity to set an example for other democracies in the region by demonstrating how electoral institutions can be strengthened to serve the interests of the people.
In the meantime, Tetteh’s call serves as a reminder of the critical role that the EC plays in shaping Ghana’s democratic future. As the country looks ahead to future elections, the need for a robust and trustworthy electoral commission cannot be overstated. Tetteh’s plea for a reset is not just a critique of the EC but also a rallying cry for all stakeholders to work together in building an electoral system that Ghanaians can trust and take pride in.
The journey toward electoral reform will require bold decisions, but the potential rewards—a strengthened democracy and renewed public confidence—are well worth the effort. As President-elect Mahama prepares to assume office, the spotlight will be on how his administration addresses these pressing challenges and delivers on its promise of resetting governance for the betterment of all Ghanaians.
