The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has reiterated that its role is to oversee the electoral process and not to select Members of Parliament (MPs) or the President.
This clarification follows widespread criticism over the EC’s decision to re-collate and declare results for seven of nine contentious parliamentary constituencies, all of which were won by the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The constituencies in question are Okaikwei Central, Nsawam Adoagyiri, Ahafo Ano North, Ahafo Ano South West, Obuasi East, Tema Central, and Techiman South. Results for Dome Kwabenya and Ablekuma North remain unresolved.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has strongly rejected the EC’s declarations, labelling the actions illegal and vowing to contest them through all available means.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairperson of the EC in charge of Corporate Affairs, emphasized that the authority to elect leaders lies solely with the Ghanaian electorate.
“The commission has always maintained that it is not the responsibility of the commission to make someone the president or MP. That is the sole responsibility of the people of Ghana and the commission will ensure that the will of the people as expressed at the polling stations is reflected at all times,” Dr. Asare stated.
Dr Asare also addressed the issue of the two outstanding constituencies, assuring the public that their MPs-elect would be declared soon.
“We are hopeful that the two outstanding constituencies will have their MPs-elect very, very soon, way before the swearing-in Parliament,” he added.
