The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) is demanding the immediate resignation of Dr. Peter Appiahene and Hajia Salima Ahmed Tijani as members of the Electoral Commission (EC).
The two who were recently appointed by President Akufo-Addo to the electoral management body have been described by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as known affiliates of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
CODEO at a news conference on Wednesday said these appointments have the tendency to make the EC look partisan and affect its credibility in future elections.
Reading the address on behalf of CODEO, Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe suggested that the two newly appointed EC members to resign voluntarily.
“We are painfully aware that voluntary and constitutionally grounded revocation of this unfortunate and democratically problematic EC appointment by the President is extremely unlikely.
“However nothing stops the affected appointees namely Dr. Peter Appiahene and Hajia Salima Ahmed Tijani from voluntarily and honourably resigning from membership of the EC,” he said.
The duo's resignation, in his view, will “be in the supreme interest of our country’s continual democratic progress, election peace and credibility and indeed, the overall national interest.”
According to him, although the two meet the generic benchmark qualification stipulated in Article 44 (1), “We believe strongly that having regard to the independent and non-partisan nature of our Electoral Commission and its mandate, the spirit of the constitution demands far more in the way of ones suitability to be a member of the EC.”
As a result, CODEO “accordingly called on Dr. Peter Appiahene and Hajia Salima Ahmed Tijani to do the honorable thing and resign.”
Latest Stories
-
We may all resort to vote buying if electorates prioritise such over development – Asiedu Nketiah
34 mins -
NDF engages mineral extraction communities in advocacy and litigation resolution
38 mins -
Adabraka community in A/R unites to combat electoral violence
45 mins -
Forestry Commission cracks down on endangered bush meat trade
46 mins -
Global GDP could plunge by 24% by 2,100 without urgent climate action
47 mins -
High Court dismisses lecturer’s bid to block Deputy IGP’s appointment
55 mins -
MTN records 35.5% growth in profit to GH¢3.76bn in quarter 3, 2024
1 hour -
Deloitte to hold training on navigating customs and excise duty Obligations
1 hour -
Akufo-Addo, Bawumia should have prioritised National Peace Campaign launch – Mahama
1 hour -
AGI works to clamp down on substandard foreign mattresses penetrating Ghanaian markets
1 hour -
Immigration Service intercepts 54 gallons of fuel
1 hour -
Ace Medical Insurance makes its mark at Ghana Club 100 Awards
1 hour -
Dafeamekpor takes Speaker to High Court to affirm vacant seats ruling
2 hours -
Government is not funding GMX music streaming platform – Director of Marketing
2 hours -
Energy sector not advancing enough – ACEP
2 hours