Election Watch Ghana has voiced worries that the Electoral Commission (EC) might be at risk of compromise before the 2024 elections.

According to the Civil Society Organisation, the EC has been influenced by the Executive, benefiting both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Mark Ewusi Arkoh, a prominent member of Election Watch Ghana, questioned why Ghana cannot have a truly independent EC capable of conducting free, fair, and transparent elections without executive interference.

“Why can’t we get an EC that is so independent to organize its activities without any interference from the Executive? Why should we have a situation where the Executive has to control the EC before they conduct their work?” he asked.Mr Arkoh criticized the current NPP administration, citing examples that suggest the EC has been compromised. He pointed to President Akufo-Addo’s appointments of Dr. Peter Appiahene and Francis Bossman to the EC as politically motivated.

“There are clear examples of these genuine concerns we have raised.

"When the President has appointed party members to work at the EC, do you expect the opposition political parties to be happy with that or accept what they (EC) do?”

He emphasized that appointments to the EC should be free from political affiliations to ensure the body’s independence.“There are laws about how these appointments ought to be done. To appoint people to work at the EC, those appointed should have no affiliation with any political party. But in our case, Francis Bossman and Dr. Appiahene are known NPP members. That is what we are talking about.In an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr Arkoh stressed that regardless of the ruling party, the EC must maintain its independence to ensure credibility. He called for the enforcement of constitutional provisions to secure a trustworthy and transparent EC.

"Do you think when the President is appointing his party members to the EC, the opposition parties will keep quiet? Irrespective of the political party in power, the EC should have the independence to work and that is what Election Ghana is seeking to achieve.”

Mark Ewusi Arkoh remarked, “We cannot do that. So, let us ensure that we enforce the provisions stated in the 1992 constitution.

"Only then can we proudly proclaim that the EC is currently an independent body or trustworthy institution capable of working transparently. If not, we’ll continue to question their credibility.”