Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, the former Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC), has proposed the imposition of sanctions on unsuccessful election petitions to prevent them from becoming a widespread phenomenon.
Speaking at a public lecture organized by the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), and the One Ghana Movement to commemorate Constitution Day, Dr. Afari-Gyan expressed concern about the increasing number of election petitions.
He emphasized the need to deter candidates from hastily resorting to the courts, suggesting that some petitions were filed merely to appease financiers and supporters.
Dr. Afari-Gyan stated, “The rush can cause undeserved injury to the reputation of the Electoral Commission (EC) and unnecessary intimidation of the courts.”
Citing Nigeria's example, where 1,000 petitions were filed after the 2023 elections, Dr. Afari-Gyan urged for caution to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
The former EC Chairman proposed collaboration between the judiciary and the EC to enhance the understanding of judges on electoral matters through continuous education programs.
Dr. Afari-Gyan stressed the importance of free and fair elections, calling for collective efforts to support the EC in delivering credible electoral processes. He acknowledged that mistakes could occur in elections but emphasized the need for a stringent regime of punishment for willful wrongdoing.
Former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Joe Ghartey, suggested fines and temporary bars from public office for candidates filing meritless cases to reduce the workload on the courts and enhance public confidence in the judiciary.
Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong highlighted the decline in public trust in the EC, urging the electoral body to prioritize accountability and checks and balances in upcoming elections.
The public lecture aimed to address critical issues surrounding elections, representation, and constitutional amendments, with insights from prominent figures in Ghana's legal and electoral landscape.
