The Constitution Review Committee (CRC) has proposed significant reforms aimed at strengthening the independence and professionalism of the Electoral Commission by establishing fixed leadership tenure and limiting post-service political involvement. The Committee recommends amending Article 223 of the 1992 Constitution to provide for a single, non-renewable 10-year term for the EC Chairperson and Deputy Commissioners, or until they reach the age of 65, whichever comes first.
According to the CRC, this measure is designed to shield the Commission’s leadership from political pressures tied to reappointment, enabling them to discharge their constitutional responsibilities impartially. Presenting its report to President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, December 22, the Committee noted:
“The Committee recommends an amendment to Article 223 to provide that the Commissioner and each of the Deputy Commissioners of the Commission shall hold office for a single, non-renewable term of ten (10) years or upon or until he or she attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.”
The CRC further proposed a mandatory cooling-off period for former EC leaders, barring them from holding any other public office for three years after leaving the Commission.
The report further noted that any individual who has served as Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner would, upon retirement or resignation, be barred from holding any other public office until after a three-year cooling-off period. Within this proposed framework, the leadership of the Electoral Commission would be guaranteed security of tenure, thereby eliminating incentives to shape decisions around political reappointment.
Simultaneously, the post-service restriction seeks to establish a clear separation between electoral administration and subsequent public appointments. These recommendations form part of the CRC’s broader reform package aimed at reinforcing democratic institutions, enhancing governance, and strengthening public trust in Ghana’s constitutional order.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
