Paul Osae Offei, MCE for Akuapem South Constituency
Some concerned members and accredited delegates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Akuapem South Constituency of the Eastern Region are demanding an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the recent confirmation of Paul Osae Offei as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the area.
The call, according to the petitioners, has been necessitated by doubts over the credibility of the electoral process, concerns about the integrity of the Assembly Chief, and the potential need for his removal from office.
The petition, addressed to the Chairman of the Public Relations and Complaints Committee (PRCC) of the NDC, seeks “investigation and redress” regarding the election and qualification of Paul Osae Offei as MCE of the Akuapem South Municipality.
“We respectfully request a comprehensive investigation into both the integrity of the electoral process and the fundamental suitability of the elected individual for public office, with a view to initiating necessary remedial actions, including his removal from office,” the petition stated.
Arguing that the process to confirm the MCE undermined democratic principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability, the group cited alleged irregularities and a lack of transparency.
“The conduct and outcome of the election held to confirm Mr. Paul Osae Offei as MCE are fraught with inconsistencies and raise grave doubts about its legitimacy,” the petition said.
In the confirmation vote held in Aburi on Monday, May 12, 2025, the nominee reportedly secured 25 ‘Yes’ votes, 10 ‘No’ votes, and 1 rejected ballot.
However, the aggrieved delegates and party members contest this outcome, stating that the process and results “stand in stark contrast to the verifiable claims of 16 delegates who confirm casting ‘No’ votes.”
Highlighting discrepancies in the vote count, the petitioners argued that the significant variance in the number of recorded “No” votes calls into question the accuracy and reliability of the vote tabulation, suggesting that Offei did not, in fact, obtain the constitutionally required two-thirds majority.
“A substantial number of delegates have unequivocally stated that they did not vote in favour of the candidate. This assertion, when reconciled with the actual number of delegates, suggests that the declared ‘Yes’ votes would not constitute the constitutionally mandated two-thirds majority of total votes cast, thereby rendering the election outcome invalid,” the group contended.
The petitioners further alleged that the election was conducted under circumstances that compromised its transparency. They claimed that law enforcement officers surrounded electoral officials, effectively restricting observation by assembly members and the public.
This, they argued, created an intimidating environment that contravened the principles of open and fair democratic processes.
Beyond procedural concerns, the group alleged that Paul Osae Offei has a criminal record, which they say should disqualify him from holding public office.
They also claimed that he was previously dismissed from his role as a bank manager for professional misconduct, raising serious concerns about his suitability to manage public funds and resources.
According to the petitioners, Offei has a track record of financial mismanagement and causing financial losses to institutions he has previously managed.
They stressed that these allegations have significantly eroded the confidence of assembly members, delegates, and the wider Akuapem South community in his leadership.
“We believe that this current situation is unsustainable for effective governance and public service delivery, as the legitimacy of the MCE’s office has been severely compromised,” they stated.
The petitioners are, therefore, urging the PRCC to immediately initiate an independent and thorough investigation into both the electoral process and the personal and professional background of Paul Osae Offei.
They are also calling for the nullification of his election and his subsequent removal from office, insisting on a transparent and genuinely fair re-election process that ensures only qualified and credible candidates are considered.
The group added that it is ready to provide additional information and evidence to support the committee’s investigations.
