New EC leadership passed ‘first test with fair, transparent’ referendum – Nana Addo

President Nana Akufo Addo has patted the new leadership of Ghana’s Electoral Commission on the back for conducting a successful referendum on the creation of six new regions in the country.

According to the President, the Commission chaired by Jean Mensa has passed its first test.

“The new leadership of the Electoral Commission is to be commended for passing its first test by ensuring the holding of free, fair and transparent referenda,” Nana Akufo-Addo said in a congratulatory message Saturday to the people of the new regions; Ahafo, Bono East, North East, Oti, Savannah and Western North.

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President Akufo-Addo in July this year nominated Mrs. Mensa as the EC chair and two others, Samuel Tettey and Dr. Eric Asare Bossman as deputies of the Commission.

Mrs. Mensa’s was appointed to replace former chair, Charlotte Osei who was removed from office over corruption following a petition by some staff of the Commission.

A corporate legal practitioner, Ms. Adwoa Asuama Abrefa, was also appointed as a member of the Commission.

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The new members who joined some old members to form the new leadership of the EC, have since July not conducted any election aside administrative decisions and steps they have taken.

Thursday’s referendum thus became their first election; the core mandate of the EC.

The will of the people

Commenting on the referendum, Nana Akufo-Addo said it was the will of the people of Ghana that delivered a resounding outcome of Thursday’s referendum on the creation of the six new regions.

The  President said Ghanaians have demonstrated once more, their deep attachment to the principles of democratic accountability and the rule of law.

“The will of the people determined the outcome of Thursday’s referenda, and I congratulate the people in the soon to be created regions of Ahafo, Bono East, North East, Oti, Savannah and Western North for the dignified, peaceful manner in which they exercised their franchise and constitutional right,” Nana Akufo-Addo said.

He was particularly the enthused that the people in the areas turned out in their numbers to give “virtually unanimous assent” to the creation of the new regions as part of the country’s reorganisation to bring government closer to them and accelerate their socio-economic development.

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The President said Ghana is chartering new paths in the growth and development of the country, stating “we will put our nation onto the path of progress and prosperity”.

“I thank the members of the Brobbey Commission, led by the noted jurist, Mr. Justice S.A. Brobbey, a retired member of the Supreme Court, for the thorough and painstaking work the Commission did, which resulted in the recommendations that received overwhelming, popular endorsement,” he added.

The President also lauded the security agencies and the media for their “invaluable roles” in that ensured successful referendum.

By 3news.com|Ghana