Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has called on political parties to overcome their mistrust of the Electoral Commission and collaborate to maintain the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process.
Speaking at a dinner event with members of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) at the Manhyia Palace, in conjunction with the Association’s Annual General Conference, Otumfuo highlighted the need to restore confidence between the Electoral Commission and political actors.
While recognizing the importance of vigilance, he underscored that trust is essential for a thriving democracy.
“I remain pretty sanguine about the outcome for two main reasons”.
“Ghanaians have arrived where we are, not by accident, but through the force of history. In our first quarter of a century of existence as an independent nation, we have tried almost every system of governance conceived by man,” the Asantehene stated.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II reflected on Ghana’s political journey, emphasizing its shift from a one-party state and periods of military rule to a democracy that grants citizens the power to elect their government.
However discreditable one may think of the people, I can see no circumstances in which Ghanaians will sacrifice the freedom of today, the prospect of changing their government by the power of their thumb, for any other alternative,” he asserted.
The Asantehene also praised the resilience of Ghana’s electoral system, noting: “However one may distract the individuals in charge of the electoral process at any given time, it has been demonstrated that changes will occur in spite of the individual operatives.
“The evidence of our history is that the system does produce the outcome that reflects the voice of the people and remains ready as always to play a part to protect the integrity of the process when the need arises.”
He also called for reduced mistrust and improved relations.
“So here again, I will appeal for a lowering of mistrust. Heightened vigilance is of course necessary, but we need to restore confidence between contesting political parties and candidates in the Electoral Commission,” the Otumfuo added.