Lawyer and historian Yaw Anokye Frimpong believes Ghana’s biggest mistake is appointing young individuals to chair the Electoral Commission (EC). He argues that age brings maturity, and young chairpersons lack the necessary experience and wisdom to effectively lead the EC.

Lawyer Frimpong cites examples of seasoned leaders who previously chaired the EC, such as Afari-Gyan, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana during JJ Rawlings’ tenure, and Justice Joseph Kwame Kingsley-Nyinah, a senior Court of Appeals Judge. He attributes their success to their age and experience.

Frimpong criticizes the appointment of younger chairpersons, specifically Charlotte Osei by John Dramani Mahama and Jean Adukwei Mensa by Akufo-Addo, as mistakes that have caused issues.

He claims politicians appoint younger individuals because the EC’s retirement age is 70, allowing them to serve the appointing party long-term. To promote progress at the EC, Frimpong advocates for appointing well-experienced and mature individuals as chairpersons.