We lost trust in the EC long ago – NDC’s Omane Boamah

The relationship between Ghana's opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Electoral Commission (EC) has long been strained, and recent statements from the director of elections for the NDC, Omane Boamah, have only highlighted the extent of this erosion of trust. Boamah, a key figure within the NDC, openly expressed his party's growing disillusionment with the EC, stating that the NDC has "lost trust in the Commission long ago."

This assertion comes amid ongoing debates and concerns about the credibility of Ghana's electoral processes. The NDC has been vocal in its accusations of electoral malpractice, particularly following the 2020 general elections, which they claimed were marred by irregularities.

The party's distrust in the EC has deepened over time, with accusations ranging from bias in favor of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to mismanagement of voter registration and other electoral activities.

Omane Boamah’s comments underscore a sense of betrayal felt by the NDC, which has repeatedly called for reforms within the EC. He pointed to a number of instances where the party believes the EC’s actions were not impartial, citing both technical errors and perceived political bias.

According to the former minister, the Commission’s actions in the run-up to the 2020 election and its handling of post-election disputes have led the NDC to question its ability to administer free and fair elections.

At the heart of the NDC's criticism is the EC’s role in the electoral dispute resolution process. The party has repeatedly alleged that the Commission’s decisions in key areas favored the NPP, calling into question the EC’s neutrality.

The NDC has demanded that the EC be held accountable for what it sees as actions that undermine the credibility of Ghana’s democracy.

The EC, on its part, has consistently defended its actions, asserting its independence and commitment to conducting elections that meet international standards.

The Commission has emphasized that it follows the law and works within the parameters set by the Constitution and the Electoral Act. However, these explanations have not been sufficient to quell the concerns of the opposition, which continues to push for reforms.

As Ghana heads toward the next general elections, the question of the EC's credibility remains a hot-button issue. The NDC’s continued lack of trust in the Commission poses a significant challenge to the EC, which must work to restore public confidence in its ability to oversee a transparent and credible electoral process.

His comments serve as a reminder that electoral integrity is not just about ensuring free and fair voting but also about maintaining the public’s trust in the institutions that govern the electoral process. Until that trust is rebuilt, the EC will likely continue to face criticism and skepticism from sections of the Ghanaian populace.

For now, the NDC's stance remains firm, with Boamah emphasizing that his party’s distrust will not be easily overcome unless substantial changes are made to the EC’s operations and its perceived impartiality.

The future of Ghana’s electoral integrity may depend largely on how the Commission addresses these concerns in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.