Government Challenges Electoral Commission

Government is contesting the Electoral Commission’s (EC) rejection of the appointment of a procurement committee to supervise the purchase and supply of electoral materials. The electoral materials are meant for voter’s registration exercise and next year’s elections.
Government explained that its appointment of the committee was to ensure that released funds are judiciously applied.
But the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, on Friday night issued a statement saying that the appointment of a procurement committee violated entrenched positions of the 1992 constitution and a subtle attempt to direct, control and interference in the electoral process.
In an interview Information Minister, Nana Akomea has expressed surprise at the EC’s statement. According to him, Cabinet took the decision after the Chief of Staff had deliberated on the issue with the Electoral Commissioner, Kwadwo Afari Gyan and his two deputies.
“I will be very surprised if the Electoral Commissioner is aware of this release. It will be very strange for the Electoral Commissioner and his deputies to meet the Chief of Staff and then issue such a statement”, he added.
Nana Akomea told JOY FM that the EC’s bosses agreed to the proposal after which Cabinet announced the decision. He also noted that he had in his possession a letter written by the Electoral Commissioner commending the Finance Ministry for setting up a procurement committee.