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Opinions of Thursday, 27 July 2017

Columnist: Razak Kojo Opoku

Rift at EC caused by error and poor judgement of John Mahama

Former President J. J. Rawlings appointed Dr Kwadwo Afari Gyan as the EC Boss, and there was stability and utmost cooperation between the Commissioners and the entire staff of EC throughout his tenure as the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, from 1993 to 2015 (22 years).

H.E. J.J. Rawlings respected the conditions of seniority, chain of command, order of authority and competence in the appointment of Dr Kwadwo Afari Gyan as the Chairman of the Commission. Before then, Dr Kwadwo Afari Gyan was the Deputy Chairman(Operations), second in command to Justice Josiah Ofori Boateng, chairman of the Interim National Electoral Commission in 1992.

In June 2015 after the retirement of Dr Kwadwo Afari Gyan, then President John Dramani Mahama disrespected the common sense and practical procedures adopted by Rawlings in the appointment of Dr Kwadwo Afari Gyan as the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.

John Mahama appointed an inexperienced, egoistic, divisive, arrogant and rude personality as the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.

Just one year in office as the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, there is total instability, lack of cooperation, total breakdown of organisational structure, allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement, accusations with counter-accusations, insubordination, lack of respect and trust at the Electoral Commission.

Our independent Electoral Commission is collapsing, losing relevance and respect due to the incompetent nature of Charlotte Osei as the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.

The leadership style of Charlotte Osei appointed by John Mahama has totally destroyed the credibility and integrity of the Commission.

For the first time in our political history since 1992, EC Commissioners are at risk of possible impeachment all because of the arrogance of Charlotte Osei.