Afari Gyan has high integrity, will be neutral in December polls – US official

US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Ambassador Johnnie Carson has heaped high praises on the Chairman of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC), Dr Kwadwo Afari Gyan saying he has enormous respect for him.

Mr Carson said with Dr Afari Gyan’s high integrity, he knows the EC boss will be neutral in the upcoming December 7 general elections.

“His integrity is high…will be neutral referee,” Ambassador Carson said today September 20, 2012 during a teleconference with journalists when asked of his views on Ghana’s upcoming election.

According to the US Diplomat, Dr Afari Gyan is the most experienced EC boss in Africa having handled the country’s election independently since 1992. All elections have been described as peaceful.

Mr Carson wished Ghana “good luck” in her elections and he was hopeful that it will be free and fair.

Both Dr Afari Gyan and the EC have recently come under fierce public criticisms especially from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) over the Commission’s decision to create 45 new constituencies.

Even civil society groups, trade unions and some religious bodies have all expressed their dissatisfaction over the proposed new constituencies.

Former President John Kufuor at an NPP rally described the EC’s decision to go ahead with the creation as not making sense.

All opposing the creation of the new constituencies say the timing is wrong especially with barely three months to the election. This, according to them can create chaos.

The minority in Parliament at one point, sensed that Dr Afari Gyan is somehow “in bed” with the government.

But Dr Afari Gyan in a recent meeting with civil society groups allayed the fears of the public.

“We are always accused of being in-bed with the ruling government anytime there is election. Then we (EC) must be special prostitutes,” Dr Gyan said.

By Ekow Quandzie