EC boss race: Emmanuel Akwetey denies political links

The Executive Director of the Institute of Democratic Governance has defended his public service credentials as media reports tip him to become the next chairman of the Electoral Commission.

Dr. Afari Gyan retires in June this year and a search for his replacement is currently ongoing.

Media reports suggest Dr. Akwetey is among some five individuals shortlisted for the post.

But in a statement, Dr. Akwetey said although he has contributed immensely towards the country’s electoral process, he has never served as a senior aide to any president or vice president.

Below is the full statement by Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey

My attention has been drawn to a story captioned ‘Race for the EC Job - 5 Shortlisted’ on the front page of the Daily Guide of Wednesday, April 22, 2015. I write to correct the factual errors relating to my record of public service to God and country in the said story. When rumours and speculation started last year that I might be selected to fill a vacant post of Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC), I refrained from commenting on my interest in the matter. I have consistently stuck to that line of action believing that it is the proper thing to do.

Unfortunately, I am compelled to comment now because of the inaccurate record of my public service published in the media. I wish to state categorically that I have never worked as a senior aide to any President or Vice President of Ghana. This fact is verifiable in all public records in the country including the media.

On the contrary, I have been deeply involved in public service, demonstrating commitment to advancing the national interest at all times in a non-partisan, impartial, honest and consistent manner. I have worked primarily in civil society and from that location, actively and effectively engaged political leaders, public servants, business leaders, eminent chiefs, diplomats, heads of multilateral and bilateral development organizations at national, regional and global levels on issues of electoral reforms, democracy and good governance and inclusive development and nation-building. The details are public knowledge and well publicized.

However, in the context of the current discussion, I wish to stress that my roles in IDEG and the CFI in the 2008 and 2012 elections have been widely acclaimed, including, but not limited to providing technical advice and public outreach support to the Electoral Commission, the Judiciary, the National Peace Council, the National House of Chiefs, Manhyia Palace, the security agencies, political parties and bilateral and multilateral partners, all of which are actively supporting the electoral and democratic development processes in Ghana.

Our work in Ghana has been innovative and has successfully inspired civic and state actors interventions in difficult elections in several African countries including Nigeria, Liberia, Senegal, and Kenya.

Presently, Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) and the Civic Forum Initiative (CFI) continue to be involved in multi-actor dialogue about constitutional and electoral reform in furtherance of peace, stability, national cohesion and inclusive development not only in Ghana but also in Africa.