Provide clear facts, correct mistakes promptly – President Mahama to EC Deputies
President John Dramani Mahama has urged the newly sworn-in Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission (EC), Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr. Joseph Kwaku Asamoah, to provide clear facts on electoral matters and promptly acknowledge and correct mistakes to strengthen public confidence in the Commission.
He stressed that transparency, accountability and constructive engagement with the public were essential to building trust in Ghana’s electoral processes.
President Mahama made the call during the swearing-in ceremony of the two officials, urging them to listen carefully to concerns raised by political parties, civil society organisations, the media and citizens.
He said the Commission must be prepared to address legitimate concerns, correct inaccurate information with facts and take responsibility when errors occur.
“Where their concerns are well-founded, address them. Where the information is inaccurate, provide clear facts, and where mistakes occur, acknowledge those mistakes and correct them promptly,” the President stated.
He noted that citizens who seek clarification on electoral processes deserve respectful answers, adding that open communication could strengthen both the Electoral Commission and Ghana’s democracy.
According to President Mahama, public trust in the Commission must be earned through consistent conduct, transparent procedures, timely responses to concerns and the fulfilment of commitments.
He emphasised that the credibility of elections depended largely on the integrity, competence and fairness of the institution responsible for administering them.
The President therefore urged the new deputy chairpersons to discharge their duties without favour towards any political party, candidate or government.
“Your duty is to the Republic of Ghana and its people. You must discharge your responsibilities without favour towards any political party, any candidate, or government,” he said.
President Mahama further assured the Commission that his government would support it in carrying out its mandate while respecting its independence.
He maintained that the Electoral Commission must apply the same standards to all political parties and protect the right of Ghanaians to freely choose their leaders.
The President also called for professionalism, accurate record-keeping, reliable logistics, secure electoral systems and adequate preparation ahead of elections.
He urged the deputy chairpersons to work closely with fellow commissioners and staff to identify operational challenges early and resolve them promptly.
President Mahama congratulated Ms. Agbenyo and Dr. Asamoah on their appointments, expressing confidence that their combined experience in public administration, law, finance and electoral management would contribute to strengthening the Commission.
He urged them to make competence, fairness and the national interest the guiding principles of their service to Ghana.
