Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has expressed constructive concerns regarding the need for the government to implement the recommendations of the Ayawaso West Wuogon (AWW) Commission report. He believes that addressing these recommendations is essential to overcoming recurring electoral challenges, including those observed in the 2024 general elections.
During a discussion on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, January 11, Prof Abotsi emphasized the importance of commitment to the Commission’s findings, noting that the continued lack of action has contributed to persistent issues. “It is surprising that while a comprehensive commission was established and recommendations provided, two-thirds of those remain unaddressed,” he remarked.
The AWW Commission was established to tackle electoral violence and irregularities following the 2020 elections, offering practical solutions aimed at enhancing election integrity and security. According to Professor Abotsi, the missed opportunities for implementing these recommendations have led to the recurrence of challenges in subsequent elections, including the recent 2024 elections.
“I am eager to see a proactive approach toward implementing the AWW Commission report. Many of the suggested measures are straightforward solutions that can effectively address ongoing systemic issues. The government’s inaction not only undermines the resources invested in the Commission but also perpetuates problems that could be resolved,” he stated.
He called on the government to revisit the AWW report with urgency and prioritize its implementation, affirming that doing so would significantly enhance the electoral process. “A substantial commitment to these recommendations could greatly alleviate many of the challenges we’ve faced,” he asserted.
Reflecting on the current state of Ghana’s democracy, Professor Abotsi noted that the 2024 election results, which indicated a strong mandate for change, illustrate the electorate’s desire for improvement. “The acknowledgment by the President in his post-election speech that Ghana faces significant challenges is a critical step toward fostering necessary reforms,” he added.
Through constructive dialogue and action, Professor Abotsi believes that Ghana can move closer to achieving a more secure and transparent electoral process.
No comment yet, add your voice below!