Amissah-Arthur warns Akufo-Addo over EC impasse

Former Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur has called on President Akufo- Addo to tread cautiously on the current impasse at the Electoral Commission.

Mr Amissah–Arthur said the President and his government should not exploit the current confusion within the commission for political gains.

The former Governor of the Bank of Ghana said, there is the perception in some quarters that the government and some politicians are trying very hard to get rid of an independent-minded individual and replace her with someone who will do their bidding.

He wondered why the president did not touch on the impasse at the EC in his State of the Nation’s Address, adding that the EC is one of the most crucial agencies that ensure free and fair elections in the country.

The former vice president said he doesn’t know “what the current Electoral Commission has done to invite the eye of the government.”

He said the Electoral Commission chaired by Dr Kojo Afari Djan conducted six elections – four won by the NDC and two by the NPP. He, therefore, could not fathom why the NPP have directed their anger at Charlotte Osei even though they (NPP) won an election supervised by her.

The former Vice President also used the opportunity to touch on the current “disturbing” security situation in the country.

He said when he travels outside Ghana, quite a lot of people express concern about the insecurity in the country, citing the activities of the political vigilante groups.

According to him, if the problem is not addressed by the president, the NDC and other political parties could be forced to form their own vigilante groups to defend themselves.

Mr Amissah Arthur said the government has done well in the fight against galamsey and that, it should also employ a similar method to fight political vigilantism.