Yaw Nsarkoh proposes independent body for judicial appointments

Percival Kofi Akpaloo urges vigilance over Joseph Asamoah’s EC appointment

Percival Kofi Akpaloo, the founder and leader of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), has called on the public to closely monitor the activities of the newly appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr. Joseph Kweku Asamoah. Speaking following a swearing-in ceremony conducted by President John Mahama, Akpaloo expressed specific reservations about Dr. Asamoah's role within the nation's electoral management body. While the LPG leader acknowledged the President's authority to make such appointments, he argued that this specific selection requires heightened scrutiny from political stakeholders. During the induction of the new deputy chairs, President Mahama emphasized the necessity for the appointees to adhere strictly to the principles of political neutrality, legal equity, and the rule of law. The President noted that the integrity of the Electoral Commission is foundational to Ghana's democracy, charging the new officials to remain impartial in the discharge of their duties. These remarks were intended to reassure the public of the commission's independence as it prepares for future electoral cycles. However, Akpaloo maintained that Dr. Asamoah’s presence at the commission poses a significant concern, even drawing comparisons to other controversial figures. He suggested that the implications of this appointment could be more impactful than those involving individuals such as Edem Agbenyo, whose previous associations had also sparked debate. Akpaloo did not call for the appointment to be rescinded but insisted that vigilance is the only way to ensure the new Deputy Chairperson does not compromise the commission's work. The concerns raised by the LPG leader highlight the ongoing political sensitivity surrounding the composition of the Electoral Commission. As Dr. Asamoah begins his tenure, observers will be watching to see if the commission can maintain the standard of independence advocated by President Mahama. For Akpaloo and other opposition figures, the focus remains on ensuring that the administrative processes of the EC remain transparent and free from partisan influence.