‘Explain the “strange” request’ - Ablakwa reacts to letter of Akufo-Addo requesting CVs of top state officials

President Nana Akufo-Addo has requested the curricula vitae (CVs) of directors and above of state agencies in the country, including the constitutionally independent Electoral Commission (EC).

The president's request was communicated through a memorandum dated May 29, from the EC's Human Resource Director, Samuel D. Buadu.

The memo instructed directors and regional heads to submit their CVs by noon that day.

It stated, "The Office of the President His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has requested the Curricula Vitae of Senior Management of State Agencies from Director and above."

It added that CVs of top state agencies must also be submitted for 'review'.

“Kindly submit both hard and soft copies of CVS to the secretariat of the Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) at the Office of the President, Jubilee House by C.O.B Friday 5th May, 2023,” portions of the letter signed by Mr. Emmanuel Adumua-Bossman (Esq), Deputy Chief of Staff.

This North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa describes the President's request as "strange request" —demanding an explanation from the presidency.

Mr. Ablakwa took to Twitter on Wednesday, May 31, to express his concerns, stating, "The presidency must inform Ghanaians what kind of 'operations' warrants this strange request."

The lack of official explanation behind the president's request has led to widespread speculation about his motives.

Some have suggested that the move could be an attempt to identify officials who may not be aligned with the government's agenda and replace them with individuals who are more favorable to the government.

Others have questioned whether the aim is to exert pressure or influence over the EC's leadership ahead of the 2024 polls.

Political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, is also one of those who has expressed concern about the president's request.

He said, "There is a possibility that the government wants to take control of the Electoral Commission, and this request could be the first step towards that."

He added, "The Electoral Commission must remain independent, and any attempt to interfere with its work should be condemned."