We will do our best to support your work - Chief Imam

Dr Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam, has assured the Electoral Commission of his support in conducting electoral activities in the country.

“We will do our best to support your work. It borders on peace, which is very important to the development of this country. It is only when we have peace that we can enjoy the necessity of life and serve Allah,” he said.

Dr Sheikh Sharubutu gave the assurance when Mrs Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, led a team of Commissioners of the EC to pay a courtesy call the Chief Imam in Accra.

Included in the team were her two deputies – Mr Samuel Tettey, in-charge of Operations, and Dr. Eric Bossman Asare, in-charge of Corporate Services and Madam Adwoa Asuama Abriefa, a Commissioner.

The visit is part of the EC’s efforts to demystify its operations and bring the Commission closer to the citizenry, the Commission was engaging in consultations with key stakeholders.

It is also aimed at helping the Commission to know at first-hand the concerns and issues of key stakeholders, regarding the Commission and its operations.

The Chief Imam said the EC Chair had a sterling track record from her days of Institute of Economic Affairs, which made her fit for the position.

He stated that her personality inspired hope and urged her to work diligently together with all stakeholder to ensure that the country continues to witness peace elections.

When briefed about Administrative reforms being carried out at the Commission, Dr Sheik Sharubutu urged the EC to take decisive decision in the advancement of peace in the country.

“As people, we may belong to different political party but the first and foremost aim must be ensuring peace and unity,” he added.

Giving a briefing of her work since her assumption ten months ago, Mrs Mensa said the Commission successfully organised the referendum in December that led to the creation of the six new regions.

Thereafter, it organised the by-election in Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency in Accra to replace the Member of Parliament who passed on.

“The elections were characterised by violence and as we continue to say it did not emanate from the activities within the polling stations. We have learned many lessons including paying more attention to security, the training of EC workers and stakeholders, especially the media. This will be beneficial in the next election,” she said.

Mrs Mensa recalled that the Commission went on to work towards the implementation of the Representation of the People’s Amendment Act (ROPAA) and, as a result, it became necessary to enhance the Report developed in 2011.

Internally, she said one of her focal points since assumption of office had been to work assiduously to reform the Commission by establishing good governance framework.

She said over the past years much effort had been focused on the electoral mandate while paying less attention to building the institutional systems to guide its operations.

Mrs Mensa reiterated that the Commission was committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure credible, transparent, free and fair elections.