The newly sworn-in Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah, has disclosed that only 33% of Ghanaians trust the electoral management body, describing the figure as a call to action to restore public confidence in the institution.
According to him, the level of public trust in the Commission has declined significantly over the years, making the restoration of confidence a major responsibility for its new leadership.
Speaking during the appreciation speech after being sworn in alongside Emelia Afi Agbenyo at the Presidency, Dr Asamoah cited Afrobarometer figures indicating that 33% of Ghanaians say they trust the EC somewhat or a lot.
He said the figure represents a decline from 75% in 2005 and 63% in 1999, adding that the same 33% figure was recorded after the 2024 general elections.
Dr Asamoah stressed that the statistics should not be treated as mere numbers but as a reflection of the concerns surrounding public confidence in the Commission.
“Fellow citizens, these numbers are not mere statistics. They are a verdict and a call to action and a call to duty,” he stated.
He said restoring public confidence in the EC was not optional but an obligation that the new leadership must fulfil.
“Restoring your confidence in this commission is therefore not an option. It is an obligation imposed on us, and we personally must be judged by those particular figures,” he added.
Dr Asamoah pledged that the new leadership would work with the Commission’s staff and key stakeholders to review electoral processes and pursue continuous improvements.
He said the review would be undertaken without fear or favour, with the objective of strengthening the credibility of elections in Ghana.
The Deputy EC Chairperson also called on political parties, Parliament, security services, civil society organisations, the judiciary, the media and citizens to support efforts to improve the institution.
He emphasised that credible elections are a national responsibility and cannot be achieved by the Electoral Commission alone.
