By Franklin Asare-Donkoh
The strength of any democracy rests not only on the ballot box but also on public confidence in the institution entrusted to manage elections. In Ghana, the Electoral Commission (EC) has historically been regarded as one of the country’s most important democratic institutions and a model for electoral administration in Africa.
Yet, as Deputy Chairperson in charge of Corporate Services, Dr. Eric Bossman Asare, and Deputy Chairperson in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey, conclude their tenure at the Commission, debate continues over the legacy they leave behind.
To supporters, their period in office was marked by efforts to modernize electoral systems and strengthen administrative processes. To critics, however, the era will be remembered for controversial decisions, policy reversals, legal disputes and a growing public trust deficit that challenged the Commission’s standing as a neutral arbiter of Ghana’s democratic process.
From Consensus to Confrontation
For decades, Ghana’s electoral stability has been underpinned by dialogue among political actors through the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), widely regarded as an important platform for consensus-building.
Critics argue that under the leadership of Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa, supported by Dr. Asare and Mr. Tettey, the Commission increasingly adopted a more centralized approach to decision-making.
Several electoral reforms and administrative changes generated disagreements with opposition parties and civil society organizations, leading some observers to contend that the spirit of consultation that once characterized IPAC had weakened.
The resulting tensions contributed to growing mistrust between the Commission and some political stakeholders, transforming what had traditionally been a platform for collaboration into one frequently marked by confrontation.
Policy Reversals and Administrative Challenges
Throughout the period, concerns were repeatedly raised about policy consistency and administrative planning.
One of the most debated issues involved the use of the Ghana Card for voter registration. While the Commission strongly advocated its adoption as a primary identification document, changes in implementation timelines and registration requirements sparked criticism from various groups.
Questions were also raised over voter registration logistics. The Commission’s initial insistence on restricting aspects of continuous voter registration to district offices attracted concerns about accessibility, prompting subsequent adjustments.
Critics further pointed to errors in voter statistics and provisional registers as evidence of administrative shortcomings. Although the Commission corrected several discrepancies, each revision fueled concerns among sections of the public about operational efficiency and transparency.
The 2020 Election Results Controversy
Among the most widely discussed episodes of the period was the declaration of the 2020 presidential election results.
Following the announcement, the Commission issued corrections relating to figures and percentage calculations used in the declaration. While the EC maintained that the corrections did not alter the outcome of the election, opponents argued that the mistakes undermined confidence in the Commission’s accuracy and professionalism.
The controversy intensified during the subsequent election petition hearing at the Supreme Court, where critics accused the Commission of avoiding deeper public scrutiny through legal strategies that limited direct cross-examination of key officials.
Although the courts ultimately upheld the election results, the episode remains one of the most contentious moments of the Commission’s recent history.
The New Voter Register Debate
Another major flashpoint was the Commission’s decision to compile a new voter register ahead of the 2020 general elections.
The EC argued that the exercise was necessary to improve the integrity of the electoral system and replace aging biometric technology. However, opposition parties and some civil society groups questioned both the timing and cost of the exercise.
The decision became even more controversial because it was undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic, with critics expressing concerns about public health risks and the financial implications of replacing a voter register that they argued remained functional.
The SALL Disenfranchisement Controversy
Perhaps no issue generated more sustained criticism than the electoral complications involving the Santrofi, Akpafu, Lolobi and Likpe (SALL) traditional areas.
Administrative and legal challenges surrounding the creation of the Guan Constituency resulted in residents participating in the presidential election but being unable to elect a Member of Parliament during the 2020 polls.
The situation left the area without parliamentary representation for an extended period, prompting widespread criticism from political parties, civil society organizations and constitutional experts.
For many observers, the episode highlighted the consequences of administrative decisions that directly affect citizens’ democratic rights.
Perceptions of Bias and Neutrality
Electoral commissions derive their legitimacy not only from legal authority but also from public perception.
Throughout the tenure of Dr. Asare and Mr. Tettey, opposition parties and some advocacy groups frequently questioned the Commission’s neutrality. Public statements by senior officials occasionally became subjects of political debate, with critics arguing that some comments risked undermining the perception of impartiality expected of electoral administrators.
The Commission consistently rejected accusations of bias, maintaining that its decisions were guided by law and the constitutional mandate to conduct free and fair elections.
Nevertheless, public confidence surveys and political commentary during the period suggested growing polarization in how citizens viewed the institution.
The 2024 Election Disputes
The 2024 electoral cycle brought fresh scrutiny.
Questions emerged over collation processes, recount procedures and allegations concerning alterations to polling station result forms, commonly known as pink sheets. Decisions to relocate certain collation activities to highly secured facilities also attracted criticism from some stakeholders who argued that transparency could be compromised.
Although the Commission defended its actions as necessary to maintain security and electoral integrity, the controversies reinforced concerns already held by critics regarding transparency and accountability.
A Moment for Reflection
As Dr. Bossman Asare and Samuel Tettey leave office, assessments of their legacy remain sharply divided.
Their tenure coincided with some of the most consequential and controversial electoral moments in Ghana’s Fourth Republic. While supporters credit the leadership with implementing reforms and navigating complex electoral challenges, critics argue that the period weakened public confidence in the Commission and strained relationships with key stakeholders.
What remains clear is that the Electoral Commission now faces a significant task: rebuilding trust, strengthening transparency and reaffirming its role as a neutral institution capable of commanding confidence across Ghana’s political divide.
For a country that prides itself on democratic stability, the lessons of the Asare-Tettey era may prove as important as the elections themselves. The departure of the two officials presents an opportunity for institutional reflection and renewal as Ghana seeks to reinforce public faith in one of its most critical democratic institutions.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
