The Council of State has issued a response to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) petition concerning the approval of Dr. Peter Appiahene and Hajia Salima Ahmed Tijani as Members of the Electoral Commission.
The Council firmly asserted that the approval recommendation remains unalterable.
In a letter directed to the NDC, the Council clarified that, having thoroughly examined the nominees’ CVs and advised the President, the appointment process was deemed concluded. The subsequent inauguration of the appointees solidified the Council’s role in the process.
“As correctly noted in paragraph 8 of your letter’s third page, following the President’s swearing-in of the two individuals, the Council of State has become functus officio in their appointment process.
“It is hence not feasible to reconsider the recommendations already provided by the Council to the President,” stated Nana Otuo Siriboe, Chairman of the Council of State.
The Council emphasized that once recommendations are submitted to and acted upon by the President, they cannot be revisited within its jurisdiction. This decision effectively closes any avenue to revisit the approval process for Dr. Peter Appiahene and Hajia Salima Ahmed Tijani.
The nomination of Electoral Commission members significantly upholds Ghana’s democratic process. The Council of State’s role in vetting and advising on these appointments is crucial in safeguarding the Electoral Commission’s integrity and transparency.
While the NDC voiced concerns about the appointees’ perceived NPP affiliations, the Council’s response underscores the diligent execution of the approval process according to established protocols.