President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has hinted at standing for presidency again in the 2020 elections.
He has therefore reiterated the independence of the Electoral Commission, Ghana (EC) in conducting “free and open” polls to allow electorates make a credible choice.
“I said it to you and I repeat,” he told Chair of the Commission Jean Adukwei Mensa, “I don’t need an Electoral Commission to win an election.”
“I don’t want to win an election in Ghana because of the Electoral Commission. I want to win an election in Ghana because of the people of Ghana, that they make a free and open choice that Akufo-Addo will be again their choice.”
The president made this known at the Jubilee House on Thursday, September 12, when the Commission led by Mrs Mensa called on him.
He expressed satisfaction at the work of the Commission so far and pledged government’s support to make the ongoing reforms successful.
“I think all the decisions you are making to enhance capacity and bring some level of quality to the internal administration and management of the Electoral Commission itself should be welcomed by all right-thinking people in our country.”
President Akufo-Addo noted that the effort to make the Commission a free-for-all institution will not go down well with certain elements despite it redounding to the democratic credentials of Ghana.
The Commission embarked on stakeholder consultations ahead of next year’s elections, having met political parties as well as past presidents.
It has invited the former Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, to share his experiences.
Mrs Mensa expressed gratitude to the president for the support since assuming office in 2018.
“We are grateful to you for the support that we have received from you and your office over the last year.”
She particularly mentioned the unprecedented budgetary allocation as well as the independence granted them so far.
She added that it has given them a smooth run since assuming office.
Source: 3news.com|Ghana