Former Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba has expressed serious concerns regarding President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s appointments to Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC), questioning their legitimacy and fairness.
Speaking on TV3 on September 19, Justice Atuguba criticized the appointments, suggesting they reflect a bias towards individuals with political affiliations—whom he referred to as “stooges.”
He argued that this undermines the impartiality essential for the EC’s function.
He emphasized that appointments should prioritize fairness and transparency, principles he believes have been overlooked in favor of political loyalty.
“If the person exercising that power is mindful of the need for fairness and candor, they shouldn’t appoint their stooges to manage a national institution,” he stated.
Justice Atuguba also questioned whether those with clear political ties should have accepted such positions, suggesting that this behavior highlights a troubling culture where the pursuit of power takes precedence over ethical standards in public service.
“Is it fair and candid to appoint individuals with political exposure? Should they even have accepted those roles? We are not serious, and that’s why we face so many challenges,” he remarked.
He further addressed the ongoing debate regarding Ghana’s voter register, with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) calling for an audit due to alleged irregularities.
Justice Atuguba noted that such an audit could help clarify many doubts regarding the integrity of the register.
