We need to restore confidence between political parties and the EC - Asantehene

Kumasi, Ghana - September 10, 2024 - Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has called on political parties to reduce their mistrust of the Electoral Commission and work towards ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.

Speaking at a dinner with members of the Ghana Bar Association at the Manhyia Palace, the Asantehene emphasized the need for confidence-building between the Electoral Commission and contesting parties and candidates.

While acknowledging the need for vigilance, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II stressed the importance of protecting Ghana's democratic values and urged citizens to prioritize peace and avoid electoral violence.

“I remain pretty sanguine about the outcome for two main reasons. Ghanaians have arrived where we are, not by accident, but through the force of history. In our first quarter of a century of existence as an independent nation, we have tried almost every system of governance conceived by man,'' he stated.

“We have had a one-party state. We have had military rule of three different types and we have experienced democracy with the power of the people to choose their government through the ballot box.

“However discreditable one may think of the people, I can see no circumstances in which Ghanaians will sacrifice the freedom of today, the prospect of changing their government by power of their thumb, for any other alternative.”

“Secondly, however one may distract the individuals in charge of the electoral process at any given time, it has been demonstrated that changes will occur in spite of the individual operatives. The evidence of our history is that the system does produce the outcome that reflects the voice of the people and remain ready as always to play a part to protect the integrity of the process when the need arises.

“So here again, I will appeal for a lowering of mistrust. Heightened vigilance is of course necessary, but we need to restore confidence between contesting political parties and candidates in the Electoral Commission,'' he added.

The Asantehene's remarks come as the country prepares for upcoming elections, and his call for trust and cooperation aims to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.

The dinner was held on the sidelines of the Ghana Bar Association's Annual General Conference, and the Asantehene's message was seen as a timely intervention to promote electoral integrity and peace in Ghana.

Source : Lead News Online