I’ll never let you down - New EC Chair assures Ghanaians
The newly appointed Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mrs Charlotte Osei, has pledged to work hard to build on the process of internal reforms to make the institution more effective.
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She said she had been humbled by her broad acceptance following her appointment.
Mrs Osei made the pledge yesterday when the President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, swore her in at a ceremony at the Flagstaff House to officially give her the green light to assume duty as the Chairperson of the EC.
Responding after the swearing-in ceremony, she thanked her predecessors for the strong foundations laid at the EC and expressed the hope that with support from her colleagues at the commission, she would continue to build structures that would promote a stronger and more independent EC.
Mrs Osei thanked the President and the Council of State for the trust and confidence reposed in her and promised to never disappoint them and the nation.
She further thanked her husband and family for the incredible support given her since the announcement of her appointment.
The EC Chair acknowledged women in responsible positions, noting that their efforts were part of the factors that opened the doors for her.
President
President Mahama touted Mrs Osei’s credentials and urged her to rise up to the task in the "tough position".
He, however, reminded her that she was stepping into "very big shoes", for which reason she must work hard to meet expectations.
"Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan had proved over the last two decades or so that he is a colossus when it comes to elections and electoral systems and has, despite whatever grievances we as politicians have expressed against him, either in government or in opposition, distinguished himself creditably and contributed immensely to the stability of our democracy," he said.
Mr Mahama expressed the hope that the new EC boss would count on the experience and support of the other commissioners at the EC in the management of the commission and elections in the country.
Proud EC
He said Ghana was proud of the EC because of the huge image it had built as a model for the rest of the continent.
"Our commissioners have been invited regularly to assist other countries consolidate their electoral systems. If Ghana is celebrated as a model of democracy, a large measure of that credit should go to Dr Afari-Gyan and the EC," he said.
Violence
President Mahama condemned violence in Ghana politics, saying the practice should not have a place whether in intra-party or inter-party politics.
He also called on the people to avoid vulgar language in political discussions.
"We are in politics to compete for power with the sole aim of advancing the cause of our dear nation Ghana — nothing more nothing less," he stressed.
He thanked the Council of State for the advice they gave him on the appointment of the new EC chair.
Mrs Osei comes to the new position with very solid credentials in both the legal profession and public service.
First female chair
The ceremony at the seat of government was brief but monumental.
It was the first time a female was assuming office as the Chair of Ghana's electoral body.
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Chairpersons of political parties, including Mr Paul Afoko of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alhaji Ahmed Ramadan of the People’s National Convention (PNC) and Ms Samia Nkrumah of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), were at the ceremony.
A Vice-Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Lee Ocran, was also in attendance.
Mrs Osei swore the oaths of office, secrecy and allegiance before stepping forward to receive the scroll of office from the President.