Prof Gyampo Takes On Akufo-Addo Over Demand For EC Officials’ CV

Political scientist, Prof Ransford Gyampo, has chided President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo for attempting to “annexe” the Electoral Commission (EC).

His outburst is in response to the President’s demand for the Curriculum Vitae of Senior management of state agencies including the EC.

In a memo from the Director of Human Resources of the EC to the Head office and the Regional Directors, to demand their Cvs.

“This comes to inform you that the Office of the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has requested the Curriculum Vitae of senior management of state agencies from the director and above,” a part of the memo read.

The CVs were to be submitted by May 29.

The directive didn’t go down well with the Political Science lecturer who questioned the intent of the president and argued the demand is “unnecessary” and “bad”.

“Dear President Akufo Addo, Why do you want to do this to an Independent Commission? It appears under your tenure, you are doing everything you can to decimate the independence of all independent institutions, but to what end?”

According to him, Akufo-Addo is currently the “worse” head of state when it comes to promoting the independence of the Electoral Commission.

“Unfortunately there aren’t courageous people around you to tell you to back off your attempts at annexing the Electoral Commission. Back in the days, Dan Botwe as General Secretary of the NPP could boldly tell President Kufuor in the face to back off his attempt to usurp the procurement powers of the Electoral Commission and the President had no choice than to listen.”

Prof Gyampo also urged the EC must resist such directives.

“The Electoral Commission too must not be seen to be swallowing everything thrown to them by the President hook, line and sinker. As an independent Commission, it is backed by law to resist every attempt at subjugating the Commission under the Executive President.”