The Government of Ghana has denied allegations that it influenced the resignation of Electoral Commission Deputy Chairperson in charge of Corporate Affairs, Dr Bossman Asare, saying his decision to leave office was made voluntarily.
Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, dismissed suggestions that political pressure or government actions led to Dr Asare’s departure from the Electoral Commission.
Speaking on Citi FM on Monday, Kwakye Ofosu said the constitutional process for removing Electoral Commission officials had not been invoked, arguing that claims of government interference were unfounded.
“First of all, there is no basis for giving any assurance because nothing of that sort has happened. The process for removing a member of the Commission is clearly spelt out by law,” he said.
According to the minister, Dr Asare personally communicated his intention to resign through a formal letter addressed to President John Dramani Mahama.
“Dr Bossman Asare himself, of his own volition, wrote to the President indicating his desire to leave at the appointed date, and that is what happened,” Kwakye Ofosu said.
The minister noted that the Constitution provides clear procedures for the removal of Electoral Commission officials and said those procedures were not activated in this case.
His comments come amid speculation that the resignation may have been linked to actions by the current administration, claims the government has strongly rejected.
Kwakye Ofosu added that consultations are underway to identify a replacement for Dr Asare, with any appointment expected to follow the constitutional and statutory requirements governing the Electoral Commission.
The Electoral Commission has not publicly indicated when a successor will be named.
