Former President Mahama urges EC to ensure level playing field for political parties
Former President John Dramani Mahama, has called on the Electoral Commission (EC), to continue to ensure a level playing field in order gain the confidence of all stakeholders.
He said stakeholders would accept the outcome of the elections, when it’s done transparently, which according to him, would help advance the peace and development of the country.
He also used the opportunity to discuss issues that occurred during the election 2016 at a closed-door meeting.
The former president said Mrs. Mensa’s contribution towards the growth of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), has helped to advance democracy in the country.
“I have known you at IEA and your remarkable credentials. I trust it will be a continuum”, he said.
The former president said this, when Mrs. Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the EC and some team of commissioners of the EC, payed a courtesy call on him in Accra.
The EC team was jointly welcomed by the former President Mahama, Mr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, a former minister, Mr. Julius Debrah, former Chief of Staff, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the General Secretary of NDC, and other party officials.
Former President Mahama commended the EC for embarking on the stakeholders’ consultation, adding that it marked the beginning of confidence building.
He said Ghana was a beacon of hope globally and gave the assurance that his office and the party would support the commission to succeed in consolidating the democratic credentials of the country.
Former President Mahama recounted that he had been involved in the electoral process of the country since the days of opaque ballot box through to biometric system and assured of his partnership to work with the EC.
Mr. Ofosu-Ampofo said the NDC had contributed diversely to the deepening and evolution of the electoral process in the country.
According to him, his party is open-minded and would continue to make constructive suggestions to enhance the work of the EC.
“Whatever input that we make as a party, we make it in good faith. We want the Commission to succeed because if they do, it facilitates peace and development,” he added.
Mrs. Mensa reiterated that the visit was part of the Commission’s efforts to open up its operations, forge a partnership, as well as open up channels of communication between the EC and stakeholders.
“We welcome constructive criticism and we will continue to operate an open-door policy to help build a united country,” she assured.
Source: GNA