Newly sworn-in Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah, has pledged to pursue electoral reforms and restore public confidence in the Commission, citing survey findings that indicate declining trust in the institution.
He said only 33% of Ghanaians expressed some or a lot of trust in the EC, according to Afrobarometer, compared with 75% in 2005 and 63% in 1999.
Speaking on behalf of his fellow appointee, Emelia Affi Agbenyo, at their swearing-in ceremony, Dr Asamoah described the figures as a clear indication of the work required to rebuild confidence in the electoral management body.
“These numbers are no mere statistics; they are a verdict and a call to action and a call to duty. Restoring your confidence in this Commission is therefore not an option; it is an obligation imposed on us,” he said.
Dr Asamoah, who previously served the Commission as Director of Finance, Head of Audit, Director of the Training Centre in Kumasi and election trainer, said his return to the institution would be guided by experience and a commitment to national service.
He said he had participated in the administration of general elections, district-level elections and national referendums, giving him an understanding of the Commission’s strengths, challenges and staff.
“We come to this role not for personal gains, but to give back to our beloved nation, Ghana,” he stated.
Dr Asamoah pledged that the new leadership would work with the Commission’s staff and stakeholders to review electoral processes and pursue continuous improvement without fear or favour.
He also stressed that the Commission’s authority would not be used to suppress public scrutiny or oppress its employees.
“Our work will rest on zero tolerance of partisan political interest and 100% tolerance for national interest,” he said.
According to him, the Commission’s primary responsibility was to the people of Ghana, whose sovereignty was recognised under Article 1 of the 1992 Constitution.
“Your vote is your voice and your future. And yes, it must be made to count, and it will count,” he added.
Dr Asamoah identified misinformation, disinformation and fake news as major challenges to electoral credibility, warning that false information could undermine political engagement and deepen divisions.
He called on political parties, Parliament, the security services, civil society, the judiciary, the media and citizens to support efforts to strengthen electoral integrity.
He said the Commission would work with stakeholders to review existing processes and implement reforms aimed at improving public confidence.
“We expect Ghanaians to engage the Electoral Commission, to participate in the Commission, to critique the Commission, in order to make it a perfect institution that you all help to create,” he said.
Dr Asamoah pledged that he and Emelia Affi Agbenyo would deliver on their mandate without fear or favour.
