CADA Congratulates New EC Boss

The much awaited appointment of the Chair of the Electoral Commission (EC) Ghana is finally here with us and the Centre for African Democratic Affairs (CADA) takes this opportunity to congratulate Mrs. Charlotte Osei on her appointment and also for her acceptance to serve mother Ghana as the head of the Ghanaian Elections Management Body (EMB). It is not an easy task to head the EC but CADA believes that Mrs. Osei will work professionally to justify the confidence reposed in her.

Whilst we congratulate Mrs. Osei on her appointment, CADA wish to bring to her attention thefactthatshe assumes this responsibility at a time the EC is battling a declining reputation. Events from the 2010 tot-tot District Assembly Elections (DAE), 2012 Presidential Election petition, the abortive 2014 DAE and the recently abortive continuous registration of voters and transfers are clear indications of inefficiency and incompetence. The continuousdecline of reputation, if not dealt withcan completely erode the confidencestakeholders have in the Ghanaian electoral process, the results of which could be disastrous for the nation.ForMrs. Osei and her team to succeed, CADA believes thatrebuilding the reputation of the Commission must be a priority.

The other issue CADA would wish to advice the new EC head and her team onis to seriously consider the restoration ofthe Directorate to its rightful place in its relationship with the Members of the Commission (The Board).The structure of the Ghana EC is not different from what pertains in many parts of the world.

Generally, EMBsthe world over have a Board who are the policy makers (the Commissioners) and a Secretariat who are the technocrats and implementers of policy (the Directorate). Usually, the head of the Secretariat serves as the link between the Board and the Secretariat. For best practice(s), the Head of the Secretariat (Director) attends board meetings for two major reasons:

1.To enable the Director know the mind or thinking of the Commission on the various electoral processes to help the Directorate in providing technical advice on policy issues.

2. To have the Directorate also own the policies for effective and efficient implementation.

This practice used to exist in Ghana EC, but in recent years the Head of the Directorate no more sits in Commission meetings.This effectively breaks a vital link, whereexperienced and highly qualifiedtechnocrats have been marginalized in policy formulation and planning of activities. This management style that looks down on technocrats has demoralized the staff and every effort must be made to restore the right relationship with the staff. In this regard, CADA advises that a focal point for the Directorate (Coordinating Director) be appointed as the first step towards restoring this relationship.

In addition to above, CADA advises that the Commission, as early as possible revisits the review of their performance on the various electoral processes and to adopt the development of yearly Electoral Calendar of Activities which must be shared with all stakeholders.

CADA wishes Mrs. Osei and her team of Commissioners great success in their service to our beloved country, Ghana.