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A coalition of Presiding Members in the Ashanti Region has petitioned the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) and the Electoral Commission (EC) over what they describe as an attempt to manipulate the selection process for the upcoming Ashanti Regional Council of State elections.
The petitioners accuse some National Democratic Congress (NDC) officials, in collaboration with certain Coordinating Directors, of trying to submit names of Assembly Members who were not officially nominated by their Assemblies.
According to the Presiding Members, this action violates Article 89(2)(c) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates that two Assembly Members must be nominated by their respective Assemblies to form part of the Electoral College.
Concerns Over Electoral Integrity
The petitioners warn that allowing external forces to tamper with the nomination process would undermine the credibility of the election and create a dangerous precedent for future Council of State selections.
To safeguard the integrity of the process, they are demanding:
- Strict Adherence to Official Nominations – Only nominees officially selected by their Assemblies, documented on letterheads, and signed by Coordinating Directors should be recognized.
- Verification by Presiding Members – The ARCC and EC must cross-check all submitted names with the respective Presiding Members for authentication.
- Clear Procedures in the Absence of a Presiding Member – If an Assembly lacks a Presiding Member, Coordinating Directors must consult elected Assembly Members to ensure a fair nomination process.
- Accountability for Violators – Any official found interfering with the process should be sanctioned to maintain the integrity of Ghana’s democratic structures.
- Political Repercussions Loom
The petitioners caution that if the Electoral Commission and the ARCC fail to address their concerns, it could lead to a widespread rejection of the President’s nominees for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the Ashanti Region.
“This is an unacceptable attempt to subvert democracy. We will not sit idly by and allow unconstitutional practices to dictate the selection process,” the petition stated.
Key Presiding Members Behind the Petition
The petition has been signed by leading members of the Conference of Presiding Members in the Ashanti Region, including:
- Hon. Patrick Kwame Frimpong – Dean of Presiding Members, Ashanti (0244227222)
- Hon. Anthony Kwame Nsiah – Vice Dean, Conference of Presiding Members, Ashanti (0244626417)
- Hon. Isaac Osei-Duah – Secretary, Conference of Presiding Members, Ashanti (0242773020)
- Hon. Augustine Kofi Adomako – Organizer, Conference of Presiding Members, Ashanti (0246653350)
- Hon. Helena Mensah – Treasurer, Conference of Presiding Members, Ashanti (0244351362)
- Hon. Nana Yaw Wiredu – Ashanti Regional NALAG Representative (0202335474)
Petition Addressed to Key Authorities
The petition has been formally submitted to:
- The Coordinating Director, Ashanti Region
- The Director, Electoral Commission, Ashanti Region
- All District Coordinating Directors in the Ashanti Region
The Presiding Members have vowed to resist any unlawful nominations and have urged authorities to take immediate steps to ensure a free and fair process in the upcoming elections.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on how the Electoral Commission and the ARCC handle these concerns to uphold Ghana’s democratic principles.
