Neutrality And Impartiality In Key Institutions: A Precondition For National Security And Democracy

As I reflect on the state of our beloved nation, Ghana, I am reminded of the sacrifices made by our forefathers to ensure our freedom and democracy. They envisioned a country where institutions would serve the people, not partisan interests. However, recent trends have raised concerns about the politicization of key institutions, compromising their integrity and neutrality.

The Need for Neutrality
The Chairperson and deputies of the Ghana Electoral Commission, as guardians of the electoral process, should maintain their impartiality and neutrality. By not voting, they can avoid potential conflicts of interest or perceived bias, ensuring a fair and level playing field for all participants.

The Inspector General of Police, responsible for internal security, should also maintain neutrality and impartiality during elections. Voting could create conflicts of interest or perceived bias, undermining public trust in the police force’s ability to provide security and maintain order during the electoral process.

The Chief of Defense Staff and Commanding Officers of the Ghana Armed Forces should not vote due to their critical roles in maintaining national security and neutrality.

Reasons for Neutrality
National Security: Voting could create conflicts of interest or perceived bias, undermining national security.

Neutrality: Maintaining impartiality ensures the military’s credibility and trustworthiness.

Chain of Command: Allowing senior military officers to vote could create confusion or undermine the chain of command.

Precedents and Regulations
Ghana’s Constitution: Article 214 emphasizes the importance of neutrality and impartiality for the Chief of Defense Staff.

Military Regulations: Internal regulations and codes of conduct stress neutrality and impartiality for senior officers.

The Consequences of Politicization
I have observed that during President Nana Addo’s tenure, individuals heading sensitive positions have displayed loyalty to the government rather than the state they swore to protect. Their actions, speeches, and decisions have been openly biased, compromising the integrity of these institutions.

Unfortunately, this trend has led to the politicization of these institutions, evident throughout President Nana Addo’s presidency. The Ghana Armed Forces, National Security Service, and Electoral Commission have all been affected, leading to increased mistrust among citizens.

A Call to Action
To address this issue, I propose the enactment of a law to prevent individuals occupying sensitive positions from voting in national elections. This includes:

• The Chairperson and deputies of the Electoral Commission
• The Inspector General of Police
• The Chief of Defense Staff and Commanding Officers of the Ghana Armed Forces

This legislation would ensure that the heads of these institutions remain impartial and neutral in the electoral process.

Proposed Legislation: Neutrality and Impartiality in Key Institutions Act*

Section 1: Prohibition on Voting

• The Chairperson and deputies of the Electoral Commission shall not be eligible to vote in national elections.
• The Inspector General of Police shall not be eligible to vote in national elections.
• The Chief of Defense Staff and Commanding Officers of the Ghana Armed Forces shall not be eligible to vote in national elections.

Section 2: Rationale
The heads of these institutions play critical roles in maintaining national security, ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, and upholding the rule of law. Allowing them to vote could create conflicts of interest or perceived bias, undermining the credibility and trustworthiness of these institutions.

Section 3: Effective Date
This act shall come into effect immediately upon passage, ensuring that the heads of these institutions remain impartial and neutral in the electoral process.

By Hon. Simon Yaw Awadzi
Staff NDC HQ/Assemblyman-Aborlove Nolopi