Find a competent replacement for Afari-Gyan – INEC boss

Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on Ghanaian authorities to appoint a “competent and suitable” person to replace Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, his Ghanaian counterpart.

Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega said the leadership of Dr. Afari-Gyan has made Ghana’s Electoral Commission one of the best on the African continent.

Speaking on Accra-based radio Adom FM on Wednesday, Prof. Jega noted that the success of the March 28 Nigeria elections can be partly attributed to the help and advice offered by Dr. Afari-Gyan.

“I will forever appreciate the support offered me and Nigeria’s INEC,” he said.

He cited how a former staff of Ghana’s election organizing body helped INEC when it was faced with logistical constraints prior to its 2011 elections.

The Ghanaian was serving as a consultant to INEC then, he indicated.

Dr. Afari-Gyan will proceed on statutory retirement in June and there has been public debate over his replacement.

For Prof. Jega, getting someone Dr. Afari-Gyan may have mentored could be good for Ghana.

“He is a shining example of leadership for electoral management bodies… I have nothing but commendation for the leadership of Dr. Afari-Gyan.”