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The Constitution Review Committee (CRC) has suggested changes to enhance the independence and professionalism of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) by implementing fixed terms and post-service limitations for its leaders.
The Committee suggested a modification to Article 223 of the 1992 Constitution to stipulate that the Commissioner and each Deputy Commissioner of the EC shall serve a single, non-renewable term of 10 years or until they turn 65, whichever is earlier.
Moreover, the CRC proposed that ex-Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners should not be allowed to assume any other public office for three years following their departure from their roles.
In its report submitted to President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, December 22, the committee suggested, “The Committee advises an amendment to Article 223 to stipulate that the Commissioner and each Deputy Commissioner of the Commission shall serve for one, non-renewable term of ten (10) years or until reaching the age of 65 years, whichever comes first.
“A person who has held the office of Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner shall, upon retiring or resigning from the position, be ineligible for appointment to any other public office, until after a three-year cooling off period.”
With the new arrangement, EC leaders would have a guaranteed, fixed term, enabling them to make unbiased decisions without the worry of reappointment, while the post-service restriction maintains a distinct separation between their electoral functions and other public roles.
The changes are included in larger CRC proposals designed to enhance governance, fortify institutions, and reinforce democratic processes in Ghana.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
