A senior statesman and founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, has expressed grave concerns regarding the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana, describing it as the greatest threat to the country’s democracy.
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe voiced his apprehensions about the EC’s management of voter transfers, raising doubts about the legitimacy of the process, especially when transfers are conducted without the direct involvement of the voters themselves.
Speaking at the Crusaders Against Corruption event in Accra, themed “The Scarface of Corruption in Ghana: How Corruption Brings About Poverty,” Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe cautioned that the actions of the EC could have catastrophic consequences if Ghanaians remain passive and fail to hold the institution accountable.
“We have had leaders,” Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe stated, “and I am saying that at the moment, the greatest threat to our democracy is the Electoral Commission. That is the greatest threat to our democracy, and if we are not careful, we will lead this country into destruction.”
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe continued by emphasizing his concerns over the current handling of voter transfers by the EC. “Mark my words,” he warned. “How on earth can transfers be made from one particular constituency to another without the consent of the person? These are facts.”
According to Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe, the lack of transparency and accountability in the voter transfer process undermines the credibility of Ghana’s electoral system. He believes that the manipulation of voter transfers poses a significant threat to democratic principles and the rights of citizens to participate freely in the electoral process.
He pointed out that such actions not only erode public trust in the electoral system but also fuel corruption and create an environment where political leaders are not held accountable. “If the EC is allowed to continue on this path unchecked,” Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe argued, “it will lead the nation into turmoil.”
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe further noted that the absence of direct involvement of the voters in the transfer process is a serious violation of democratic norms. “Voter transfers should not occur without the knowledge and explicit consent of the individuals concerned. The current practice raises significant questions about the integrity and fairness of the elections,” he asserted.
He called on the EC to review its procedures to ensure that voter transfers are conducted transparently and with the active participation of the voters. “We must demand accountability from those in positions of power, including the EC, to protect our democracy from being subverted,” he urged.
The senior NPP member also appealed to civil society organizations, political parties, and all Ghanaians to remain vigilant and proactive in defending democratic values. “Our democracy is at stake, and we cannot afford to be complacent. We must take action to prevent any manipulation of the electoral process,” he said.
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe reiterated the importance of safeguarding Ghana’s democratic gains, emphasizing that the EC’s actions could lead to severe repercussions if not addressed promptly. He warned that the country could face political instability and a breakdown of democratic governance if such practices persist.
In concluding his remarks, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe emphasized the need for a concerted effort by all stakeholders to hold the Electoral Commission accountable and ensure that Ghana’s electoral processes are transparent, free, and fair. “We have to stand up against any threat to our democracy. It is our duty as citizens to protect our country from any form of manipulation or corruption,” he concluded.
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe’s comments have sparked renewed debate on the role and conduct of the Electoral Commission, with many calling for greater transparency and reforms to strengthen Ghana’s democratic institutions. As the nation moves closer to its next electoral cycle, the pressure on the EC to address these concerns and restore public trust is likely to intensify.
