Elections Watch Ghana, a pressure group, has petitioned the Electoral Commission, Ghana (EC) to exercise its discretionary powers to postpone the September 2 by-election in Akwatia.
According to the group, the recent helicopter crash that resulted in the loss of eight lives last Wednesday in Adansi-Akrofuom is still fresh in the minds of Ghanaians.
They argue that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is currently grieving, making it challenging for them to campaign effectively.
Mike Ewusi Arkoh, Convenor of the group, emphasized on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 97.5FM that the EC is empowered under Article 296 of the 1992 Constitution to exercise its discretionary powers in a fair and just manner.
He argued that a brief postponement of the by-election would enable the NDC to adequately prepare, ensuring a level playing field for all parties involved.
Mr. Arkoh noted that granting this request would enable the EC to uphold the principles of fairness and impartiality, which are essential to the growth and development of Ghana’s democracy.
He further stressed that Section 13 of the Elections Act, 2002 (Act 651) empowers the EC to make regulations and take necessary steps for the conduct of elections anywhere in Ghana. This section, he added, also empowers the EC to adjust the timelines for the election scheduled for September 2, 2025.
Mark Ewusi Arkoh also referenced an EC statement that eulogized the late Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and his contributions to the EC. He claimed that “never has this happened in Ghana where an EC will speak so well of someone.”
He stressed that “the NDC is demoralized, and their preparations for the Akwatia by-election are not the best due to the death of the gallant eight. That is why we are appealing to the EC to postpone it briefly to allow the NDC to organize themselves well. It is not just about the NDC. If it happened to any other party, we would have spoken about it.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
