Kwesi Pratt Jnr, the Managing Editor of Insight newspaper, has expressed serious concerns over the appointment of Dr. Peter Appiahene as a member of the Electoral Commission (EC).
In a recent interview on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana program, Pratt stated that such appointments compromise the neutrality of the EC and the democratic nature of the country. He added that the commission’s role is to oversee free and fair elections, and it is crucial for the commission to remain impartial and independent of any political affiliations.
Pratt further lamented that public confidence in the EC has dropped to 10%, stating that this appointment could lead to conflicts of interest and compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
“We should be worried…from 49% to 10% public confidence in the EC and this 10% public confidence in the EC was recorded before the appointment of Appiahene and co…everybody who is honest and sincere will have a problem with this appointment.…I am frightened, I’m really frightened. At a time when public confidence in the EC has dropped to 10%, this is the appointment we have made” He said
He argued that such appointments violate democratic principles and could damage the credibility of election results. Pratt expressed his fear that if there is an election dispute, Dr. Peter Appiahene’s appointment to the commission could hinder conflict resolution.
The appointment of Dr. Peter Appiahene, a pro-NPP member, to the EC has sparked criticism, with members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) accusing President Akufo-Addo of packing the commission with NPP members.
This opposition comes after President Akufo-Addo recently swore in three new members of the EC, including Dr. Peter Appiahene, Madam Salima Ahmed Tijani, and Reverend Akua Ofori Boateng.