Short advises Mahama on appointing new EC boss

Justice Francis Emile Short has advised President John Mahama to broaden the consultative process in appointing a new chairman of the electoral commission.

According to him, the President could take a cue from the “sentiments” around the recommendations of the Constitutional Review Committee in coming to a decision on who to replace the current EC boss, Dr Kwadwo Afari Gyan, whose tenure comes to an end in June.

The various political parties in Ghana have urged the President to widely consult to make the right choice. They have called for a person of integrity with an impeccable record of achievement in public service to be appointed.

Commenting on the development on Starr FM on Wednesday, the former Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administration Justice said the President must appoint someone who is largely seen as independent and can easily win the confidence of Ghanaians.

“Although the constitution enjoins the President to consult the Council of State in making the appointment, the process towards selecting the individual to be presented before the council is not spelt out by the constitution.

"So the President can consult the various interest groups and take all the varied suggestions and opinions on board.

“If I were the President, I would be minded by the sentiments around the recommendation of the constitution review committee in making the appointment,” he stated.