Eric Amofa Writes: Jean Mensah and Her Team Deserve Commendation For Being Transparent So Far

News

Eric Amofa Writes: Jean Mensah and Her Team Deserve Commendation For Being Transparent So Far

Ghana’s General Election is just few days around the corner. The good people of Ghana expect nothing more or less than a peaceful general elections. The Electoral Commission has a major role to play to ensure Ghana’s democracy is deepened and entrenched.
It is important to emphasize that Ghana has not witnessed any form of significant violence since the country opted for democratic governance in 1992. This year’s election is another critical test to sustaining the country's democracy.
From all indications, the Electoral Commission of Ghana is on the right path towards a peaceful election. The Commission in spite of the huge challenge posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the numerous unsubstantiated allegations and accusations from some opposition parties, has been able to maintain a firm balance, neutrality and professionalism to ensure a successful mass registration of eligible Ghanaian voters for the conduct of the December 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections.
It took absolute competence and self-confidence for the EC to initiate and work out strategies towards the conduct of the exercise against the strong opposition and doom prophets who expressed fear of possible spread of COVID-19 and its attendant deaths, should the exercise be carried out.
I would therefore like to take this opportunity to applaud Mrs. Jean Mensa and her team for such an assiduous work done so far including the voter validation and successful voter transfer exercises. These exercises did not happen unchallenged, but the EC took a cue from all criticisms and worked hard to address concerns of the displeased parties which eventually led to a successful electoral process towards the main elections.
I was particularly impressed by the way Mrs. Jean Mensa and her team provided Ghanaians with daily updates on the number of eligible voters captured on the register per region alongside their age and gender, which is the first time in the history of Ghana.
I anticipate this year's general elections will be free, fair and transparent than any election ever witnessed since 1992, because the EC has been very focused and consistent in their approach. They have echoed their independence and have proven beyond reasonable doubt that they are very competent to execute a credible and peaceful election come 7th December 2020.
The EC must continue to engage all the political parties and other key stakeholders to ensure the electoral processes are transparent, free and fair to all players in the elections.
I want to also use this opportunity to advise all political parties especially the two main parties in Ghana, NPP and NDC to be more responsible in their political campaign as we get closer to the main elections in few days.
We should all realize that a victory or success for the EC is a success for all Ghanaian since we will be the major beneficiaries of the outcome of the polls.
Our political parties and Ghanaians in general must be civil in our campaign and behaviours; and allow but support the EC to carry out their mandate in a more peaceful atmosphere.
Let us show some love to our country by placing the interest of Ghana first. We should not disappoint mother Ghana as citizens. The Electoral Commission will do all that needs to be done but if we the citizens behave irresponsibly during the election, it will cost us expensively. Let’s work and live in harmony, in peace and tranquility. Ghana belongs to all of us, not one person…hence we have a duty to ensure we protect the country for our children and the next generation.
We must also know that the 2020 election is not the end of the world…so life must continue after the election.
I say Ayekoo!!! to Mrs. Jean Mensa and your team; and also entreat you to maintain your firm stance for the sake of mother Ghana.
Long live Ghana!!!

Mr. Eric Amofa -
Director, The Canopy Foundation GH.
MA Social Work, MSc Int. Banking and Finance UK