Be Free and Firm – CODEO Urges EC Boss

The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has urged the newly sworn Electoral Commission boss, Jean Mensah to be free and firm in discharging her mandate duties.

In a congratulatory message signed and issued yesterday by Albert Arhin, National Coordinator of CODEO, he said the Commissioners should provide the needed leadership, guidance and direction for election administration in the country.

“CODEO hopes that the new leadership of the Commission will take concrete steps to ensure that indeed the Commission is dependable and accountable to the people of Ghana. The Commissioners must be fair and firm in their work, be team players, uphold integrity, be transparent and accountable in their dealings, and enhance public confidence in the Electoral Commission and its work”, he said.

This follows after the President had sworn-in the former IEA boss into office to spearhead activities at the Commission.

She was sworn-in together with her two deputies, Mr. Samuel Tettey and Dr. Bossman Eric Asare, and member, Mrs. Adwoa Asuama.

However, the civil society group believes a clear road map should be developed to guide election administration in the near future, in view of the approaching 2019 district level elections, and the 2020 general elections.

Mr. Arhin, called on the Commission to revisit and continue with the electoral reforms (administrative and legal) agenda initiated a few years ago.

He further assured its readiness to assist the new EC boss in deepening the integrity and credibility of election administration.

“We wish to assure the new Chairperson, members and the entire Electoral Commission that as it has always done since the year 2000 when the Coalition was formed, it stands in readiness to work with them to deepen the integrity and credibility of election administration in Ghana,” the statement read.

He called on the entire staff of the EC and all stakeholders to work with the new leadership of the Commission towards credible election administration and for the good of Ghana.

By: Emmanuel Yeboah Britwum