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Tag: Charlotte Osei

  • We pray for a peaceful, fair, transparent elections in Namibia – Charlotte Osei

    We pray for a peaceful, fair, transparent elections in Namibia – Charlotte Osei

    Former Chairperson for the Electoral Commission in Ghana, Charlotte Osei, has wished the people of Namibia a peaceful election as they head to the polls in the coming days.

    She is a part of the election observation mission (AUEOM) announced by the African Union Commission (AUC) for the 27 November 2024 General Elections in the Republic of Namibia. A total of 1,467,604 registered voters out of a population more than that 2.6 million are expected to participate in the polls.

    “Hello Namibia! As we count down to a most historic election, we pray for a peaceful, fair and transparent process. Let’s do this,” she wrote in a post.

    https://twitter.com/char_osei/status/1859522964221280623?s=48

    At the invitation of the Government of Namibia and the Electoral Commission of Namibia, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, approved the deployment of the short-term AUEOM to assess and report on the conduct of the elections.

    The AUEOM is led by H.E. Dr. Speciosa Kazibwe Wandira, the  former Vice President of the Republic of Uganda. The Mission comprises of 47 short-term observers (STOs) drawn from ambassadors accredited to the African Union, officials of election management bodies, members of African civil society organisations, African election experts, human rights specialists, gender and media experts, and representatives of youth organizations.

    The observers are drawn from Benin, Central African Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Uganda. 

    The observers will be deployed to all 14  regions in Namibia where they will observe the election day procedures including the opening of polls, voting, closing and the counting processes at the polling stations.

    The AUEOM will base its assessment on the legal framework governing elections in Republic of Namibia, the OAU/AU Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections, the standards and obligations stipulated in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), and the International Declaration of Principles (DOP) for International Election Observation, among others.

    The Mission shall interact with state authorities, including, the Electoral Commission of Namibia, political parties, the media, civil society organisations and representatives of the international community based in Namibia and other election observation missions.

    The Mission will release a Preliminary Statement of its overall findings and assessment of the conduct of the elections on 30 November 2024 at a press conference in Windhoek, Namibia. A final comprehensive report will be released within one month from the date of announcement of final election results and will be posted on the AU Commission website.

    The Mission’s Secretariat is located at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, Windhoek, Namibia. 

    In the last election in 2019, the SWAPO Party of Namibia won a majority of seats with 63 of 96. Voter turnout was 61%. In October 2024, Namibia amended electoral laws to help public sector workers run for National Assembly seats. Changes include allowing public sector workers to utilize paid leave to participate in the National Assembly and giving public sector employees over the age of 55 who have been elected to the National Assembly the ability to retire early.

    Additionally, the amendment requires members of the National Council, regional councils, and local authority councils who have been elected to the National Assembly to resign from their council seats prior to taking office as assembly members. 

    The upcoming elections in Namibia will feature a range of political parties vying for parliamentary seats. The ruling SWAPO Party of Namibia (SWAPO), which secured 63 out of 96 seats in the last election, remains the dominant force. It is followed by the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), which won 16 seats, and the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) with 4 seats.

    Smaller parties, including the All People’s Party (APP), Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF), National Unity Democratic Organization (NUDO), Republican Party (RP), and United Democratic Front (UDF), each claimed 2 seats.

    The Christian Democratic Voice Party (CDV), Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP), and SWANU of Namibia (SWANU) secured one seat each. Meanwhile, parties such as the Action Democratic Movement, Affirmative Repositioning, Body of Christ Party, Congress of Democrats (CoD), Independent Patriots for Change, and others failed to win any seats in the previous elections, making this a critical opportunity to establish their presence in Namibia’s political landscape.

  • Ghana’s former EC Chair extends goodwill message to Namibia ahead of it historic election

    Ghana’s former EC Chair extends goodwill message to Namibia ahead of it historic election

    Former Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei, has extended her goodwill to Namibia as the country prepares for a landmark election.

    In a message shared on social media, Charlotte Osei expressed her optimism for a peaceful and transparent electoral process, emphasizing the significance of fairness in ensuring democratic progress.

    “Hello Namibia! As we count down to a most historic election, we pray for a peaceful, fair, and transparent process. Let’s do this,” she wrote in a post on X, rallying support for the nation’s efforts to uphold democratic principles.

    Charlotte Osei, known for her advocacy for credible elections across Africa, has been a vocal supporter of fair electoral practices. Her message resonates at a time when Namibia is poised to elect its leaders, an event many consider a critical test of the nation’s democratic maturity.

    Namibia’s upcoming election has drawn considerable attention both locally and internationally, as citizens anticipate an opportunity to shape the future of their governance. The call for peace and transparency is echoed by many stakeholders who hope for an election free from disruptions and irregularities.

    As Namibia counts down to this pivotal moment, the encouragement from Charlotte Osei serves as a reminder of the shared commitment to democracy across the African continent.

    Refer to post below:

  • Charlotte Osei’s removal eroded public confidence in the EC – Former UN Governance Advisor

    Charlotte Osei’s removal eroded public confidence in the EC – Former UN Governance Advisor

    Former UN Governance Advisor Prof. Baffour Agyeman-Duah has raised concerns about the lingering effects of former Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Charlotte Osei’s dismissal, describing it as a decision that continues to shape the public’s perception of the Commission.

    Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express program on Tuesday, Agyeman-Duah remarked that this action set a challenging precedent for the institution’s credibility and has contributed to a persistent lack of public trust.

    His comments coincide with fresh concerns about the EC’s transparency following recent Afrobarometer findings, which show a sharp drop in trust ahead of the 2024 elections.

    With just 40 days until the December 7 vote, the survey revealed that only 28% of Ghanaians now trust the EC, down from a 59% confidence rate recorded in 2012. Last year, trust stood at 33%, but this figure has further declined in 2023.

    The Afrobarometer report also indicates a growing perception of corruption within the EC, which has cemented its position as one of the least trusted public institutions in Ghana.

    This development is a cause of concern for Prof. Agyeman-Duah.

    Recalling the 2016 election campaign, Prof. Agyeman-Duah stated, “The opposition then said that if they won the elections, they were going to displace her. Truly, the President came in, and within three years, that came to pass.”

    He reflected on the simplicity of the removal process: “A single individual wrote the petition to the President, who simply acted as a conveyor, sending it to the Chief Justice, who then made the decision.”

    This swift removal, he argued, was unusual and tainted the public’s view of the EC’s independence.

    For Prof. Agyeman-Duah, the incident fostered a narrative that the EC could be influenced by political interests.

    “In my view, that event has really tarnished the Electoral Commission’s image,” he stated.

    Current EC officials, he added, “are in a tough position because of the circumstances under which they were appointed, which created doubt about their credibility.”

    The move, he argues, sustained and emboldened opposition criticism, creating a cycle of mistrust that remains an obstacle for the EC.

  • ‘Threatened’ Gabby apologises to Charlotte Osei for involving her in ‘state capture’ saga

    ‘Threatened’ Gabby apologises to Charlotte Osei for involving her in ‘state capture’ saga

    Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a prominent figure in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued an apology to Charlotte Osei, the former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC).

    This follows his earlier accusations linking her to the purchase of state land.

    In a social media message dated September 12, 2024, the cousin to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo retracted his previous claims and apologized to Osei. He stated that Osei had reached out to him privately to clarify that the land in question, located near the Asaase building, was purchased through a private transaction in 2007 from a private individual named Berchie.

    “I’ve received a private message from Mrs. @char_osei clarifying that her land, which is close to the Asaase building, was purchased privately, like the property occupied by Asaase, from a private person, Berchie, back in 2007. Apologies for any reference erroneously attributed to her and retraction of the same,” Otchere-Darko wrote.

    The apology comes in the wake of Osei’s criticism of Otchere-Darko’s involvement in a public dispute concerning a property housing Asaase Broadcasting Company Limited, owned by Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

    Charlotte Osei had accused Otchere-Darko of spreading misinformation. She refuted claims made by Otchere-Darko that the land where her property is located had been sold by the government and asserted that she had acquired it legally before her tenure as EC chair.

    “Rich of you to complain about being lied on and yet tell blatant lies about another person. Please sue @S_OkudzetoAblak. I would love to do the same,” Charlotte Osei responded on X on September 11, 2024.

    Otchere-Darko’s initial comments were made in response to a statement by the Lands Commission, which clarified that the property housing Asaase was not involved in a lawsuit against the government, contrary to claims made by Ablakwa. Otchere-Darko had alleged that Ablakwa ignored other properties sold by governments of his party, including the one purportedly occupied by Osei.

    Following the clarification and subsequent apology, Otchere-Darko’s retraction and Osei’s response highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding the issue of state land transactions and political disputes in Ghana.

  • I had death threats but I don’t regret serving as EC Chair – Charlotte Osei

    I had death threats but I don’t regret serving as EC Chair – Charlotte Osei

    Former Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Charlotte Osei, has opened up about the intense challenges she faced while in office, including multiple death threats that put her and her family’s safety at risk.

    In an interview on Joy FM, she shared how the threats became a part of her life during her tenure. “There were threats through the mail, and sometimes the security agencies would call to warn me to be careful,” she revealed during Thursday’s discussion.

    The situation was especially difficult for her young children, who faced abuse at school amid the tense political climate. Despite her usual resilience, Charlotte Osei admitted she often wondered if the job was worth the danger it posed to her family.

    “My family was very supportive and recognised that it was just for a season. All storms run out of water at some point, so everyone encouraged me to stay strong and see how things would unfold after the elections,” she recounted.

    Charlotte Osei also reflected on the unexpected challenges she encountered upon taking the role, noting that while she anticipated some difficulties, the extent of the hostility was surprising. “There were some things I expected, but it was worse than we anticipated. The sheer pettiness and creative fiction were quite surprising,” she remarked.

    She addressed rumors surrounding her political affiliations, pointing out that while scrutiny was part of the job, the fabrications were shocking. “I woke up to posters claiming I had contested for an election in Evalue Gwira, which I never did and never intended to,” she clarified.

    The former EC boss emphasized the importance of focus and resilience in such a demanding position. “You need to block out a lot of things. Those who worked closely with me knew not to send certain things my way so that I could concentrate on doing the job right. It’s about following the law,” she explained.

    “Insults will be plenty, but you learn not to take things personally. Clean hands and a clean heart—focus on doing your job,” she advised.

    Despite the challenges, Charlotte Osei expressed no regrets about her time as EC Chair. “I cannot say I regret it; it was an absolute honour to serve, and I did it to the best of my ability. I am proud of the work we did,” she concluded.

  • I don’t want it – Charlotte Osei runs from MP role

    I don’t want it – Charlotte Osei runs from MP role

    Former Electoral Commission Chairperson, Charlotte Osei, has made it clear that she has no interest in running for a parliamentary seat.

    She stated that she has no plans to contest in elections to become a Member of Parliament, emphasizing that it is not part of her ambitions.

    Speaking on Joy FM’s Personality Profile on August 8, she remarked, “I have never wanted to be a Member of Parliament and I still don’t want to be a Member of Parliament. It is not one of the things on my vision board. I don’t want to be a good Member of Parliament, I don’t even want to be a bad Member of Parliament.”

    Her comments come years after a poster surfaced in December 2018, shortly after her controversial exit from the Electoral Commission, suggesting that she was running for MP in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency.

    She reflected on the numerous challenges she faced during and after her tenure at the EC, including death threats and abuse directed at her children.

    Despite these hardships, she expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from her family during that difficult period.

    Charlotte Osei also pointed out that she is not affiliated with any political party, nor does she intend to join one.

  • 2024 Presidential Elections: Criteria for disqualification by the Election Commission

    2024 Presidential Elections: Criteria for disqualification by the Election Commission

    The Electoral Commission (EC) announced that nominations for presidential and parliamentary candidates will open on September 9, in preparation for the December elections.

    Historically, several presidential candidates have faced disqualification due to minor errors.

    For example, in 2016, the Charlotte Osei-led commission disqualified 12 candidates, leaving only four eligible candidates.

    However, after legal challenges, three of these candidates were reinstated and allowed to compete.

    Similarly, in 2020, five candidates were disqualified due to issues with their nomination documents, including IT-related problems.

    Notable figures who have encountered disqualification include Hassan Ayariga of the All People’s Congress (APC), independent candidate Kofi Akpaloo, and Akua Donkor of the Ghana Freedom Party, among others.

    Given their expertise, one might wonder how such experienced individuals fail to meet the necessary criteria.

    Here are the essential requirements for presidential candidates:

    The nomination forms must be signed by the candidate.

    Forms need signatures from two registered voters in each district, totaling 432 endorsements.

    Each voter can endorse only one presidential candidate.

    The vice-presidential nominee must be named and meet constitutional criteria.

    Completed forms must be submitted to the Returning Officer by the specified deadline.
    Submissions must be in quadruplicate.

    Forms should include duly attested statutory declarations confirming accurate details and eligibility.
    Four photographs must be provided, adhering to specified dimensions.

    Payment of the filing fee as set by the Commission is required.

    Candidates may face disqualification if they fail to meet any of the following conditions:

    Incomplete or incorrect signature on the nomination form.

    Improperly executed statutory declarations.

    Incorrect payment method or amount for the filing fee.

    Insufficient voter endorsements.

    Incorrect signatures from endorsing voters.

    Failure of the candidate or vice-presidential nominee to meet legal qualifications.

  • Charlotte Osei installed as Safohen

    Charlotte Osei installed as Safohen

    Former Electoral Commission (EC) chairperson, Charlotte Kesson-Smith Osei, has been installed as Safohen of Nkum Asafo Group Number 4.

    Announcing her enstoolment on Saturday, June 8, Ms. Osei shared her excitement with a Facebook post, “Safohen Nana Ama Kesson #nkumasafo #4,” alongside photos of her adorned in traditional kente attire as a Queen Mother, holding a leadership symbol, a whip.

    Ms. Osei was joined by others during the installation ceremony.

    In a separate post, she expressed her joy at the upcoming Fetu Afahye festival, scheduled for September 1 to 7, 2024.

    Fetu Afahye is an annual festival celebrated by the people and chiefs of the Cape Coast Traditional Area in the Central Region of Ghana.

    Preparations for the festival begin in the last week of August, with the Oguaa Traditional Area welcoming numerous visitors from various parts of the country and abroad. The festival’s climax occurs on the first Saturday of September.

    Before the main celebration, the Omanhen (chief) undergoes a week of confinement for meditation, seeking wisdom from the creator (Aboadze) and ancestors, and receiving medical attention to ensure fitness for the festival’s activities.

    At the end of the confinement, the Omanhen appears in public with grandeur, visiting the stool house to pour libation and seek blessings from the 77 gods of the Oguaa state, believed to guide the Oguaa Traditional Area’s affairs.

  • Former EC Chair named chairperson of 2024 Oguaa Fetu Afahye Planning Committee

    Former EC Chair named chairperson of 2024 Oguaa Fetu Afahye Planning Committee

    Charlotte Osei, the immediate past Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, has been appointed as the chairperson of the Planning Committee for the 2024 Oguaa Fetu Festival.

    The announcement was made through a post by the Cape Coast Oguaa handle, highlighting Osei’s heritage as an indigene of Essuekyir Ahenfie, Cape Coast.

    The festival’s launch is anticipated to signify the commencement of a significant and impactful celebration.

    “Mrs @char_osei appointed by Oguaahen as Chairwoman of the Planning Committee for this year’s Oguaa Fetu Afahye. She’s from Essuekyir Ahenfie in Cape Coast. Launch of this year’s Fetu Afahye is on the 9th of May 2024 at Ato Austin Gardens,” the post read.

  • Former EC Chair Charlotte Osei marks 55th birthday

    Former EC Chair Charlotte Osei marks 55th birthday

    Former chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Charlotte Osei, commemorates her 55th birthday on February 1 with a stunning photo shared on her Facebook page.

    In the captured moment, the ex-EC chair exudes grace, dressed in blue jeans and a black shirt, capturing the admiration of her followers who flooded the comment section with birthday wishes and messages praising her timeless beauty and sophistication.

    Expressing gratitude on her special day, she shares a simple yet heartfelt message on her page: “Grateful #55.”

    Her post has gained reactions from social media users, with many showing appreciation for her beauty.

    See caption below:

  • Charlotte Osei, Duncan Williams, Bridget Otoo others Randy Abbey’s plush 50th birthday bash

    Charlotte Osei, Duncan Williams, Bridget Otoo others Randy Abbey’s plush 50th birthday bash

    Former Electoral Commissioner Charlotte Osei graced the 50th birthday celebration of veteran journalist Randy Abbey, alongside other prominent figures over the weekend.

    The event, attended by several media personalities and politicians, featured the presence of Bridget Otoo, a Metro TV presenter, accompanied by her husband.

    Additionally, National Democratic Congress (NDC) communicator, lawyer Beatrice Annan, was spotted at the celebration, as revealed in photos shared on Mrs. Osei’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

    “Happy 50th birthday, @abbeyrandy. May your latter years be better than your former. Thank you for a beautiful day filled with very lovely people,” the former EC boss captioned her post.

    The birthday celebration featured a church program at Action Chapel International, attended by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and other notable associates.

    Subsequently, a reception at the Peduase Valley Lodge included the presence of Movement for Change leader Alan Kyerematen and Kwesi Pratt Jnr, the Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, as evidenced in the sighted photos.

    Randy Abbey, a media and sports mogul

    Ransford Annetey Abbey, widely recognized as Randy Abbey OV, GM, stands as a prominent Ghanaian media personality and sports administrator. Renowned as the host of the morning show “Good Morning Ghana” on Metro TV, he holds additional roles as an Executive Council member of the Ghana Football Association and serves as the president of the Kpando Hearts of Lions Football Club.

    Guests at Dr Abeey’s birthday party
  • Vim Lady urges Ken Agyapong to be humble and apologize to Charlotte Osei

    Vim Lady urges Ken Agyapong to be humble and apologize to Charlotte Osei

    Broadcast journalist,, Afia Pokuaa, known as Vim Lady, advocates for an apology from Assin Central Member of Parliament (MP) Kennedy Agyapong to former Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Charlotte Osei for the sexist comments he made in the past.

    Vim Lady insists that Agyapong should address and rectify his controversial history of verbally abusing various public figures in the media.

    In an interview on the KSM show, Afia Pokuaa highlighted that, given Agyapong’s influential role in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries, it is crucial for him to work on improving his public image to gain the confidence of the middle class.

    “This is a time he also needs to work on his image, polishing his image, the excesses that people hold him guilty of, this is the time …

    “People like Charlotte Osei, I think that Ken Agyapong should just swallow his pride, go to Charlotte Osei and properly apologize to her,” the UTV presenter stated.

    She added that the Assin Central MP must make peace with “all the people he has made terrible comments about.”

    She also gave him the assignment to get rid of the persistent rumor that he was involved in the death of an investigative journalist who was slain a few weeks after Agyapong posted his picture on television.

    What Agyapong said about Charlotte Osei:

    In the lead-up to the 2016 elections, Agyapong said during the campaign that some highly-placed officials in government told Osei to “bring your buttocks in exchange of EC Chair position.”

    He also said; “if indeed Nana Addo (the NPP’s candidate) wins according to the pink sheets and Charlotte Osei dares to rig the elections by twisting our arms in favour of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), we will not allow it to happen in Ghana.”

    The comment, regarded as misogynistic, drew widespread condemnation during a period when Agyapong had gained notoriety for launching verbal attacks on members of the judiciary, pastors, politicians, security officials, and individuals in the showbiz industry.

    Charlotte Osei, the inaugural female chair of the Electoral Commission (EC), succeeded the long-serving Dr. Afari Gyan. Before her role at the EC, she served as the head of the National Commission for Civic Education.

    Appointed by President Mahama, she was sworn in on June 30, 2015. Osei oversaw the 2016 election, which resulted in Mahama’s defeat, but was subsequently removed following a petition challenging her management of the elections body.

    Her successor is the current chairperson, Jean Adukwei Mensa.

  • I am not a member of any political party – Charlotte Osei shoots down NDC tag

    I am not a member of any political party – Charlotte Osei shoots down NDC tag

    Former chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana, Charlotte Osei, has explicitly stated that she has remained politically neutral before, during, and after her tenure at the elections management institution.

    This comes after an accusation by a New Patriotic Party (NPP) member, Buhari, who claimed the former EC Chair was affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Additionally, Buhari presented what he deemed evidence—a poster featuring Mrs. Osei, apparently indicating her intention to run as a parliamentary candidate under the NDC’s banner in the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency.

    In response, Charlotte Osei took to Twitter on September 4, 2023, to write; “I have NEVER been a parliamentary candidate or aspirant. For the records, I have also NEVER been a member of ANY political party. Please get your facts right.”

    “It’s pretty easy to check who were the candidates in an election. And I am certain you have heard about graphic artistes. A poster with your picture and a party symbol does not make you a candidate,” Charlotte Osei added.

  • Charlotte Osei replies NPP communicator over ‘If you would an election, you will win’ comment

    Charlotte Osei replies NPP communicator over ‘If you would an election, you will win’ comment

    The former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei has responded to a comment made by a member of the New Patriotic Party’s communications team.

    She shared a cryptic message to the views expressed by NPP’s communication team member, Ellen Ama Daaku on the partiality or otherwise of the new members of the Electoral Commission

    Reacting to a video where Ellen Ama Daaku is captured on TV3 defending the president’s choice of persons for the EC, Charlotte Osei tweeted “I see”.

    Speaking as a panellist on TV3’s, New Day show, Ellen Daaku said that regardless of whoever chairs the EC or work for the institution, the results of elections will not be affected.

    “And my point is, it doesn’t matter who becomes the EC boss and who the commissioners are. If you would an election, you will win.” she said.

    To her, the various parties should rather do their work by ensuring they get their figures right at the polling stations and not who the referee of the election is.

    “You should be able to count your vote and know what you got. So that you would have it to defend yourself if you think you’ve been cheated. You should get your acts together down there. Whoever is the referee doesn’t matter get you your job done. Nobody will be comfortable with everybody in this country.” she added.

    After swearing in three members to join the EC board by the president on Monday, March 20, 2023, pressure has since been mounting up calling for the resignation of two of the three members.

    The two members are Dr Peter Appiahene and Hajia Salima Tijani.

  • The most judged species are women – Charlotte Osei

    The most judged species are women – Charlotte Osei

    Women are the most criticized species in the world, according to Charlotte Osei, the former chairperson of the Election Commission (EC).

    Speaking to the media she added that women have been socialized to criticize one another and that she is pushing women to push through all the boundaries.

    “Women need courage because they are the most judged species. We have been socialized to judge each other even more. You are so judgmental that you are unable to compliment another woman.”

    “Women are most labelled and defined. Women need the courage to move past all these labels and limits and definitions and to do anything significant in their lives”

    Women of Valour which was created by Nana Aba Anamoah is a project aimed at bringing together strong, courageous women to share their stories of triumph, loss and everything in between.

    The event which came off on March 7, 2023, saw actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, former Electoral Commission boss Charlotte Osei, Ghanaian entrepreneur Eugenia Baffour Bankoh, Business executive and communication professional, Obuobia Darko-Opoku and others tell their stories under the theme “Untold stories of courage”

  • Obiri Boahen slams Mahama for rating Nigeria’s INEC over EC

    Obiri Boahen slams Mahama for rating Nigeria’s INEC over EC

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has been criticised for rating Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) above Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC).

    According to General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Obiri Boahen time has proven the former president wrong in his assertion and thus, he described Mr Mahama’s claims as “ridiculous and so childish”.

    He noted that Mr Mahama’s problem with the EC has to do with the sacking of the former chairperson, Madam Charlotte Osei.

    “On the very day Charlotte Osei was sacked as EC boss, he refused to have faith in the commission.”

    “If it isn’t NDC that would direct our elections, he doesn’t have faith in it. He wants to say if it isn’t Charlotte Osei or Afari Gyan, then he considers all other persons to come from Satan”, he said in an interview on pro-NPP Wontumi Radio on Monday February 27, 2023.

    Former President Mahama on the eve of Nigeria’s presidential elections held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, called out the EC led by Jean Adukwei Mensa for failing to inspire confidence.

    According to him, the posture of the Electoral Commission unlike the INEC which has gained the confidence of Nigeria’s electoral stakeholders has rather been hostile towards his party, the National Democratic Congress.

    “One thing that has struck me in my pre-election mission in Nigeria for the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) is the confidence all the candidates and parties have expressed in the Independent Electoral Commission.

    “They all testify that INEC has listened and taken their concerns on board.

    “Unfortunately, I can’t say same for my Electoral Commission (EC), which was once among the best election management agencies in the world.

    “The hostility of the Chairperson of the EC and her other Commissioners to one political party is legendary. How I wish our own EC can inspire the same level of confidence in all its stakeholders,” Mr Mahama said.

    Despite his wish, Mr Mahama said he shares no hope of the situation in Ghana getting any better.

    “Regrettably, I am not hopeful this will happen when we have an EC that has blatantly spurned all efforts by the National Peace Council to host a meeting between the Commission and the two major political parties, the NDC and NPP,” the former president said.

  • Mahama must know Ghana is governed by laws – Kamal-Deen on Charlotte Osei’s removal

    Mahama must know Ghana is governed by laws – Kamal-Deen on Charlotte Osei’s removal

    The deputy Communication Director for the governing NPP, Kamal-Deen Abdulai says the former Electoral Commission (EC) boss, madam Charlotte Osei was lawfully removed from office.

    According to him, the laws will apply on anybody irrespective of the offender’s status in the country adding that when you flout it you cannot escape the consequences that come with the offends.

    His comments come on the back of former President John Mahama questioning how State institutions have been bastardized in the country by the current administration.

    Delivering a lecture on “Africa’s Strategic Priorities and Global Role” at Chatham House, London last Friday January 27, 2023, the former President also recounted how the former EC boss was removed.

    Commenting on the lecture by the former President on Starr News, Mr. Kamal-Deen stated that it is unfair for former President Mahama to describe the removal of the former EC boss as frivolous on an international stage such the Chatham House.

    “No matter who you are, our constitution is clear that no one is above the law and for His Excellency John Dramani Mahama who hascbeen the President of the republic of Ghana before, and who swore according to the constitution of Ghana and swore to uphold all the laws of Ghana.

    “It will be very unfair to the system when he says that reasons for the asking of Charlotte Osei from office were frivolous. The question that comes to mind is that was Charlotte Osei taken out of office as a result of due process of the law? As a result, she has relented on her duties and to the extent that she has flouted the laws of this country or not, and if the answer is yes then I think that President Mahama should come again.

    “I think it is unfair for a statesman to make such a statement. With the young people growing up we all have learnt that we need to be bonded by the laws of the country. We need to actually work with them and Charlotte Osei.

    “The accusations that came for her removal emanated from the same institution, people she was working with. Even Commissioners that were at the same table had problems with her and she had problems with them.”

    Mr. Kamal-Deen stated that the former President should not sit anywhere and formulate any story while the accusations and counter accusations from EC under the leadership of Charlotte Osei got her out of office.

    “Me I will maintain that no matter how little a law appears and no matter how little a crime appears it is still a crime. So long as it is defined by the law as a crime and if it is punishable and if consequences are to come with them, they are supposed to come with them and of course you will face them as well.”

  • These women rock dreadlocks with style and class

    For those who have been dreaming of locking your natural hair but keep postponing that wish, this is your sign.

    Several reasons and stories have deterred women from locking their natural. Back in the day, wearing a dreadlocks was a major reason someone could be denied a job opportunity but now, men and women who wear dreadlocks with pride have broken the stereotype, especially in the corporate world.

    In Ghana, we can mention the likes of Charlotte Osei, former Electoral Commissioner, among those who slay in locs.

    You can’t beat their style and ability to transform their hair to fit every occasion. Their beautiful locs can be braided neatly to enable them to throw on a wig when the need arises.

    Black women have different hair textures and for the natural girls who have abolished hair relaxers, you can agree that maintaining an afro can be challenging.

    Sisters with 4c hair types can relate as washday always comes with challenges, more like an extreme sport.

    There are many reasons why women lock their hair.

    1 Charlotte Osei – Ghana’s former Electoral Commissioner

    2 Naa Ashorkor Mensah-Doku – Media Personality

    3 Ursula Owusu-Ekuful – Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West

    4 Nana Dokua Asiamah – Member of Parliament for Akuapem North

    5 Mavis Hawa Koomson – Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East

    6 Priscilla Twumasi-Baffour – Economist

    7 Akosua Hanson – Media Personality

    8 Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo – Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana

    9 Chrystal Kwame-Aryee – Media Personality

    10 Cathy Morton – Entrepreneur

  • Charlotte Osei congratulates Bridget Otoo on her marriage

    Former chairperson of the  Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei has sent a congratulatory message to Bridget Otoo and her husband, Dr Evans Ago Tetteh as they tie the knot, Saturday 13 August, 2022.

    The celebrated broadcaster had a private ceremony in Takoradi with families and selected guests.

    Madam Osei who seem to be have been absent at the wedding took to her social media pages to write a special message to her good friend, Bridget.

    In a Twitter post madam Osei wrote: “Congratulations my very dear @Bridget_Otoo. Wishing you both lots of happiness and joy in the years ahead. Plenty love.”

    “Congratulations my dear Bridget Otoo – @bridget_otoo. This is the doing of the Lord and it is marvelous in our eyes. May the years ahead be blessed and beautiful. Plenty love,” she wrote in a separate post on Facebook.

    Serwaa Amihere, Lydia Forson, and Roland Walker were spotted at the wedding in videos and photos that made runs on social media on Saturday.

  • No thank you – Charlotte Osei rejects calls to be made SC judge in 2025

    Former Electoral Commission Chairperson, Charlotte Kesson-Smith Osei, has declined calls to be appointed as a Supreme Court Judge in 2025.

    A social media user, Andy Yidana, had in a post tagged her official account asking that she be made a judge at the apex court.

    He tweeted, “@char_osei should be appointed as a Supreme Court Judge in 2025.”

    But responding to the tweet, the former EC boss politely refused the call.

    “No thank you,” she retweeted.

    Another social media user also suggested that she accepts an appointment to her former position but the lawyer responded with an infuriated emoji.

    Mrs. Charlotte Osei and her two deputies, Amadu Sulley and Georgina Opoku Amankwaa were removed from office in 2018.

    Their removal was based on recommendations from a committee that investigated corruption and misconduct allegations against them.

    Some concerned workers of the Electoral Commission, in July 2017 petitioned the President and the Chief Justice to begin impeachment processes against the Chairperson of the Commission, Mrs. Charlotte Osei.

    They accused Mrs Osei of taking unilateral decisions without recourse to the appropriate departments of the EC, even her deputies.

    The group also accused the EC Chair of engaging in fraudulent activities, citing her decision to cancel a contract awarded to Superlock Technologies Limited (STL) to supply and manage Biometric Voter Registration machines (BVRs) and the Biometric Voter Devices (BVDs), as well as her directive for the payment of $76,000 to IT firm, Dream Oval, news portal graphic.com.gh reported.

    Charlotte Osei is currently the host of Business Compass (BC) which is a transformational weekly business television show for nurturing and coaching small business owners.

    See tweet below



    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Electoral reforms that widen the space for inclusiveness should be embraced Charlotte Osei

    Former Chair of the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC), Charlotte Osei, has said that any reforms or policies that seek to widen the space for inclusiveness should be accepted by all Ghanaians.

    She added that policies that also seek to make the people feel a sense of ownership of Ghanaian institutions should also be embraced.

    She said these when asked questions on some of the electoral reforms introduced by the current leadership of the elections management body, while speaking on Joy News Wednesday, August 18.

    “My view is that any policies or any reforms that widen the space, that creates new avenues for inclusiveness, that create avenues for transparency should be embraced.

    “My view is that anything that makes us feel as citizens in the sense of ownership of our own institutions and create accountability by appointed or elected officials of state should be encouraged.”

    The EC has made a number of reform proposals for elections in Ghana.

    These include “We propose closing the polls at 3 pm rather than 5 pm. In 2019, we announced our decision to close the polls at 3 pm rather than 5 pm, in the 2020 Elections.

    “Nonetheless, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and the stringent, and necessarily time-consuming safety protocols we instituted at our polling stations, we were compelled to put this proposal on hold. Over the past months, however, this proposal has re-surfaced from various sections of the public, and indeed, our own experience from the 2020 Elections has revealed that it is a workable proposal, as, by 1 pm, most polling stations were empty, suggesting that this is a workable proposal. Therefore, this is a reform we intend to put forward.

    “Again, we propose to do away with the system of periodic nationwide registration exercises and institute an all-round system where citizens who turn 18, or persons who have not previously registered, may visit any district office with their Ghana Card or passport and register as voters.

    “This will help us do away with nationwide registration exercises and go a long way to reducing the cost of elections.

    “We further propose a year-round exhibition system that will enable citizens to check their registration details on their smartphones and other mobile devices.

    “Citizens would not need to wait for an exhibition exercise to check their details. They will be able to do so, all year round.

    “We propose to build further efficiency into our collation process by focusing on data entry only at the Constituency Collation Centre. The entry point for data capturing into the system will be at the Constituency Collation Centre.

    “The data i.e. Constituency Collation Results will be made available to all stakeholders at the Regional and National levels. Flowing from the data captured at the Constituency Collation Centre, the system will generate regional and national reports without further data entry at any of those levels.

    “By adopting this system, the problem of minor inaccuracies with the collation process and unnecessary delays will be reduced significantly,” she said.

    Source: 3news.com

  • The entire current EC is a pale shadow of Charlotte Osei – Franklin Cudjoe

    Founding President of IMANI-Africa has fired back at critics who have slammed him for his fierce criticism of Jean Mensa, the Chair of the Electoral Commission (EC).

    Franklin Cudjoe has come under verbal attack for criticising the competence of the Electoral Commission following the outcome of the 2020 polls.

    He had slammed the EC after it admitted that the were errors in the declared results for the presidential polls.

    He further described the former EC boss, Charlotte Osei, as a better EC chair compared to Jean Mensa.

    Some persons especially from the NPP have taken him to the cleaners but to these individuals, Mr. Cudjoe says he criticised the former EC chair when he felt some of her decisions were not the best.

    But he believes the former EC chair is far better than the “incompetent” Jean Mensa.

    “Turns out some people think everyone has an autopilot brain. Yes, I criticised Charlotte when some of her decisions were troubling, but compared to the brave bare lies, tender rigging re biometric machines, shameful procurement gigs, and shambolic basic math errors that has generated a crisis of confidence, the entire current EC is a pale shadow of Charlotte! Eat it!! IMANI shall be releasing its own report and recommendations on the conduct of this EC. Enjoy your Sunday.”

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • It will be unfair, disrespectful for me to comment on current process at EC – Charlotte Osei

    The immediate past chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mrs. Charlotte Osei has declined to comment on the current happenings at the EC.

    Mrs. Osei who was removed from office on grounds of misconduct said it would not be proper for her to comment on activities at the EC since she was a former commissioner.

    According to her, it would be an interference for former chairs to comment on the work being conducted by the EC.

    She was speaking in an interview with KSM last Friday.

    Mrs. Osei told the host the only thing she owes this country is her silence when it comes to activities of the EC.

    “As a former Chair, it would be unfair to publicly comment on whatever is happening at the commission now. Respect must be given to the current commissioners to do their work without the interference of commentaries from former chair”s.

    “And so, to any question you have on the current process, I would say that all I owe to my country, and to the commission, would be my silence and my prayers. And would have to leave it at that.”

    Mrs Charlotte Osei and her two deputies, Amadu Sulley and Georgina Opoku Amankwaa were removed from office in 2018 for misconduct.

    Mrs Charlotte Osei, breached procurement laws in the award of several contracts, prior to the 2016 elections.

    Excerpts of the 54-page report which warranted her removal said: “In November 2017, the Honourable Chief Justice of Ghana established a prima facie case on some of the allegations made against the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission as contained in the petition submitted to His Excellency, the President of the Republic.”

    “In all, the Chief Justice made prima facie case against the Chairperson on six of the allegations contained in the said petition.”

    For all the six allegations, the committee found Mrs Osei culpable and said her explanation that she was not aware that she needed to go through procurement for some of the contracts because the monies involved were from donor partners, was untenable.

    “The findings we have made on the allegations made against Mrs. Charlotte Osei, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, clearly gives a catalogue of breaches she inflicted on the Public Procurement Act. In all the procurement activities which we had to investigate, the findings have been that Mrs. Charlotte Osei failed to comply with the Public Procurement Act.

    “The procurement activities include the engagement of Sory@Law and Associates for the Commission, the award of several contracts to STL, the two contracts for the partitioning and consultancy service of the new office block, the three contracts awarded for the construction of pre-fabricated district offices of the Commission and consultancy services thereof; the two contracts awarded to Dreamoval Ltd, and finally the two contracts awarded to Quazar Limited from South Africa. Evidence before the committee showed that all these contracts were awarded by Mrs. Charlotte Osei contrary to the Public Procurement Act” the report noted.

    “On this point we disagree with Mrs. Charlotte Osei because we are convinced that procurement forms an important part of the core business of the Electoral Commission. Indeed, without procuring relevant goods and services, the Electoral Commission will find it difficult, if not impossible, to independently conduct free and fair elections in the country. In fact, procurement is so important to the Electoral Commission, that was why no less a person than the Chairperson is made the head of entity of the Commission,” the report read in part.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Charlotte Osei to host new show on GhOne TV

    Former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission Charlotte Osei has taken up a new challenge as business show host on GhOne TV.

    Addressing viewers immediately after the launch of the programme dubbed Business Compass, Mrs Osei said the programme seeks to create a platform to groom budding entrepreneurs into growing their business.

    “ We have been engaging a lot of young entrepreneurs on their career and business issues and as we engaged them we realised more and more young entrepreneurs were passionate about their business and were very ambitious but there was a knowledge gap,” She said.

    According to her, a lot of entrepreneurs assume capital is their main problem, but it is often not the situation.

    “So I have been engaging with them on one on one quietly but eventually somebody at GHOne has bullied me into bringing this on TV so am here on duress but it is for a good purpose,“ she jokingly added.

    “If you have a passion and want to turn into a profit, you have a side hustle, you want to improve your business this is where you come to and like a GPS we will guide you,” she stated.

    The Former EC Boss Madam who has a background in corporate law will be joined by a group of friends with various expertise as well as a business coaches to help young entrepreneurs on the programme which will be aired every week.

     

    Source: starrfmonline.com

  • Nana Aba Anamoah “begs for food” from former EC boss Charlote Osei publicly

    Ace broadcast journalist, Nana Aba Anamoah has in a rather subtle approach asked former Electoral Commission of Ghana’s boss Charlotte Osei some breakfast/lunch.

    Many people assumed her post was about politics because of Charlotte Osei’s image but then later realized  that it’s all food Nana Aba Anamoah was looking talking about.

    This post clearly defines the cordial relationship between the two as Nana Aba confessed her love for the former Electoral Commission of Ghana boss.

    Under the beautiful picture of Charlotte Osei, she wrote;

    “My heartbeat Char_Osei you know I love you. Trust me I don’t want anything not even food. This is a genuine post. I’ll not say No to breakfast or lunch tomorrow. But this post isn’t about that ” She wrote.

    Many of Nana Aba Anamoah’s followers particularly on Facebook got to know the cordiality between the two beautiful souls.

    Source: operanewsapp.com

  • Election 2020: Jean Mensa repeating Charlotte Oseis mistakes Odike

    Founder and leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addai Odike has faulted the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa for wallowing in the same mistakes that led to the dismissal of her predecessor, Madam Charlotte Osei.

    On June 28, 2018, President Akufo Addo removed from office the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mrs Charlotte Osei, and her two deputies, Mr. Amadu Sulley and Ms. Georgina Opoku Amankwah, with immediate effect, after the Committee set up by the then Chief Justice, Justice Sophia Akuffo, pursuant to Article 146(4) of the Constitution, to investigate separate complaints brought against the three persons by Ghanaian citizens, recommended their removal from office.

    A statement signed and issued by the Minister of Information at the time, Hon. Mustapha Abdul Hamid said, “The Committee recommended their removal on the basis of stated misbehaviour and incompetence, pursuant to Article 146(1) of the Constitution.”

    “The provisions of Article 146(9) of the Constitution require the President of the Republic to act in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee.”

    But contributing to discussions on Kumasi-based Angel FM, Mr Odike said, the Electoral Commission and its Chairperson are being “micromanaged” by the government to do its bidding of organizing elections under dangerous circumstances with a questionable new voters register, “walking in the same mistakes Madam Charlotte Osei made”.

    “The concentration of the whole world is on the fight against COVID-19; the world is not normal anymore, economies are shaking so if we do not get a well grounded footing and we rush into this election haphazardly and anything triggers, Ghana would be doomed. I appeal to the Electoral Commission and the government of the day to not rush us into the election, until normal times are restored”, he said.

    Source: My News GH