New EC Boss appointment lacks transparency – Prof. Asare

A renowned Constitutional lawyer Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare has challenged the appointment of Charlotte Osei as the New Chair of the Electoral Commission.

The process leading to her selection he’s argued “lacked transparency and verifiability”.

“I have said before that prudence requires transparency and verifiability in the appointment of the EC members especially the chairman of the EC.”

Prof. Asare contends that the process clearly contravenes Article 70(2) of the 1992 constitution which considered the former NCCE boss.

He said in respect of such appointment under the law, the President ought to seek the advice of the Council of State.

Speaking on Anopa Kasapa on Kasapa 102.3 FM, Prof. Asare expressed worry and demanded that the Council of State should as a matter of urgency come out to clarify their constitutional role in the new appointment.

President John Dramani Mahama in accordance with Article 70(2) of the 1992 Constitution appointed Mrs Charlotte Osei to replace retired Dr. Kwadwo Afari Gyan.

A statement signed by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah said Mrs. Osei was until her appointment the Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).

Mrs. Osei, a lawyer with considerable experience in public service management, institutional reform also has expertise in corporate law, banking, insurance, project financing and public-private partnerships.

The new EC Chairperson holds a Masters in Law (LLM) from Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada and a Masters in Business Leadership from the University of South Africa, Pretoria. She obtained an LLB (Hons) from the University of Ghana in 1992.

Dr. Gyan is retiring from the EC after 23 years of service as Chairman of the National Electoral Commission.

He was in charge of the 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 general elections in Ghana.