The Electoral Commission has refuted claims made by former President John Mahama that members of the New Patriotic Party were hired as returning officers for the 2024 election in December.
In a statement released by the EC, they clarified that the recruitment process for returning officers and their deputies was conducted openly, fairly, and transparently.
The Commission advertised the vacancies in the Daily Graphic on February 5, 2024, and received over 20,000 applications.
An in-house committee was set up to shortlist suitable candidates for interviews, and successful applicants had a minimum of 8 years of experience working as Temporal Election Officials with the Commission.
The EC dismissed allegations by Mahama that Ministers and DCEs were asked to nominate party members as returning officers, calling the claims unfounded.
The Commission emphasized its commitment to organizing transparent, credible, and fair elections, urging all stakeholders to communicate information accurately and responsibly.
This response comes after Mahama accused the government of politicizing the Electoral Commission during an interview at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
The Commission also referenced past concerns about appointments made during Mahama’s presidency, highlighting the constitutional provisions for the appointment of its members.
As the country approaches the election year, the EC is reaffirming its dedication to upholding the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process and ensuring that the sanctity of elections is protected.
The Commission urged all parties to prioritize accurate and responsible communication in the lead-up to the elections.
