Some of Ghana’s Vital Institutions Slipping into Questionable Integrity – Afari-Gyan Warns

Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, the former Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC), has expressed apprehensions about the declining integrity of crucial institutions in Ghana. Addressing concerns during the Constitution Day Public Lecture on Monday, January 8, 2024, Dr. Afari-Gyan underscored the impact of pervasive corruption, particularly in the public sector and public life, on the nation’s economic challenges.

Regrettably, he noted that some key institutions are increasingly losing their integrity, with defeated candidates often alleging manipulation and refusing to accept election results. Dr. Afari-Gyan highlighted the failure to widely diffuse democratic principles in society, resulting in a general lack of predictability in social life, which acts as a disincentive to proper behavior.

The former EC boss stressed the urgent need to instill democratic values across society, emphasizing the importance of predictability in social life as an incentive for proper conduct. He pointed out that political candidates, upon losing elections, contribute to the erosion of faith in democratic principles by contesting results.

Dr. Afari-Gyan called for a concerted effort to address these issues, recognizing the pivotal role of key institutions in upholding the integrity of the democratic process and fostering transparency and accountability. While acknowledging the relevance of calls for constitutional review as a solution, he cautioned against unnecessary tampering with the constitution, emphasizing the need for careful consideration in implementing any recommendations.