Ghana's Democracy at Risk: Assembly Members Demand Resignations and Accountability at Electoral Commissio


In a passionate press conference held today, assembly members of Greater Accra, led by Convener Hon. Musah Ziyad, voiced strong concerns about the growing threat to Ghana’s democratic process. Speaking on behalf of their communities and invoking their mandate under the Local Government Act, ACT 936, the assembly members warned of deliberate efforts by the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) to manipulate the upcoming 2024 general elections.


The assembly members’ grievances were primarily centered around the recent appointments made by the Electoral Commission, particularly those of Dr. Peter Appiahene and Hajia Salima Ahmed Tijani. These individuals, according to Hon. Ziyad, have deep political ties to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), calling into question their ability to remain impartial in the forthcoming elections.


"Dr. Peter Appiahene, is a self-declared staunch member of the NPP, has held influential positions within the party, including his role as a patron of TESCON, the NPP’s tertiary wing, and a public advocate of the party’s agenda in the Bono Region. Equally troubling is the appointment of Hajia Salima Ahmed Tijani, whose marriage to a former NPP vice chairman, Sheikh T.B. Damba, casts doubts on her neutrality".


How can we trust the fairness of the elections when key players in the Commission are deeply embedded within the ruling party?" Hon. Ziyad questioned.


The assembly members did not stop at the appointments. They also raised alarms over the integrity of the voter register, citing the Electoral Commission’s own admission of missing Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) and Biometric Verification Device (BVD) equipment. These irregularities, they argued, cast a shadow over the credibility of the voter roll and further erode public trust in the EC.


In a powerful call to action, the group demanded the immediate resignation of the politically affiliated appointees and urged civil society, the religious community, and traditional leaders, including the Ga Mantse and the Ashantehene, to hold the Commission accountable. They also called for a forensic audit of the voter register to rectify any discrepancies before the elections.


The press conference ended with a stern warning to both the Electoral Commission and the ruling government. The assembly members made it clear that any attempt to rig the elections would be met with fierce resistance.


"We will defend our democracy with every lawful means at our disposal," Hon. Ziyad concluded, urging all Ghanaians to remain vigilant and ensure that their voices are heard in what is shaping up to be a crucial election for the future of the country.






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