Our elders say, “When you train a madman how to shoot and kill, you must as well be prepared to receive his last bullet one day.” That adage finds chilling relevance in the current political spectacle between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana.
What we are witnessing is nothing short of a dramatic turnaround. The NPP, once the fiercest defender of the EC boss’s competence and integrity, is now her harshest critic. They have moved from praise to outright condemnation, accusing her of bias, manipulation, and even being unfit for purpose. The question is: what has changed?
Only a few years ago, when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other parties raised doubts about the EC’s impartiality, the NPP stood firm in its defence. They hailed her as bold, competent, and incorruptible. It was clear she had their full backing until now.
Today, however, the very party that sang her praises claims she is attempting to favour the NDC in a rerun of elections at 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma Central Constituency. These allegations, if true, raise serious concerns about the independence and credibility of the Electoral Commission.
One might argue that the NPP, having worked closely with the EC boss over the years, may know more than the general public. As another wise saying goes, “The man married to a cripple knows best where her secrets lie.” We must not ignore their concerns outright. They know what they are saying but it’s not all they can say openly, maybe.
Indeed, some past events raise questions. During the last general elections, the disqualification of the PNC’s Bernard Mornah while Akua Donkor, who had no notable political structures was approved to contest, left many puzzled. Incidents like these dent public trust in the EC and other state institutions which are supposed to be independent.
If the current accusations hold water, then we are witnessing the crumbling of one of the most crucial pillars of Ghana’s democracy. A compromised Electoral Commission undermines the very foundation of free and fair elections. It is, therefore, imperative that these claims be subjected to an independent and transparent investigation.
There are also growing suspicions that the EC boss may be acting out of fear of dismissal, especially following the recent attempt to remove the Chief Justice. “When the frog in front falls into the water,” our people say, “those behind take caution.” Is she playing it safe to secure her position at the cost of institutional credibility?
Should it be confirmed that the EC is bowing to political pressure, then Ghana’s democratic journey is at a crossroads. Without strong and neutral institutions, democracy becomes a fragile illusion, vulnerable to manipulation and collapse. We have come far in our quest for peace within the subregion and we shouldn’t allow issues like this to draw us back.
We must act now. The Electoral Commission must be shielded from political interference, whether from the ruling party or the opposition. At the same time, it must be held accountable if it strays from its constitutional mandate.
Democracy can only thrive where institutions are stronger than political interests. Ghana must not wait until the last bullet is fired.
Ghanaians are watching!!!
FAB’s Gist
