Political analyst Samuel Boateng has asserted that it would be unsurprising if political pressure ultimately forced Dr. Bossman Asare out of his role as Deputy Commissioner of the Electoral Commission (EC). Boateng argues that it is highly unusual for a former university lecturer to voluntarily walk away from a prestigious position that comes with immense privileges just to return to the classroom, suggesting that the decision was driven by external coercion rather than personal principle.
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Boateng noted that while high-level resignations are not unprecedented, they ought to be motivated by personal ethics rather than political duress.
When questioned directly on whether Dr. Asare succumbed to political forces, Boateng answered in the affirmative.
“Yes he may have resigned due to political pressure. The appointment of EC officials have been chacterised by political tension with the NDC and NPP always raising concerns those in charge. The moment power changes, you have party in charge making all attempts to remove the EC bosses and appoint their own people. Those who work for the EC may have the genuine desire to work in the interest of the state but if they sense a political influence and political undertone, they may resign based moral principles and moral standards.”
Mr Boateng further emphasised the stark contrast between Dr. Asare’s academic past and his role at the Commission to highlight the anomaly of the situation.
“Nobody will resign without a reason. So when I heard Dr Bossman Asare had resigned, I wondered why because comparing the benefits and privileges as a lecturer and a Deputy Commissioner, there is a huge difference. It can compare to a journey from Accra to London. There is no better reason for his resignation than intimidation and political pressure. I cannot attribute his resignation to moral principles but pressure.”
The analyst argued that while the Electoral Commission is designed to be an independent body, Ghana’s two major political parties—the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC)—have systematically undermined its autonomy.
He observed that it is impossible to appoint flawless individuals to lead the EC, which raises critical questions about why ruling parties manipulate the institution only to grow deeply fearful of it once they transition into opposition, subsequently doing everything in their power to discredit it.
To remedy this systemic issue, Boateng stressed the urgent need for constitutional amendments aimed at curbing executive overreach.
He maintained that Ghana cannot continue to allow a sitting president to wield the immense power required to appoint the head of every single state institution.
He viewed Dr. Asare’s exit as a strategic and honourable move to protect his dignity.
He added that the former University of Ghana lecturer likely gathered intelligence regarding the viability of his survival within the current political climate at the EC, choosing the safest path forward to avoid public embarrassment or unforeseen consequences.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana