Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo Markin has described as unfortunate, President Mahama’s decision to appoint a new Electoral Commission (EC) chair despite the procedure for appointment being challenged in the Supreme Court.
According to him, the president’s decision has undermined the authority of the Supreme Court.
A Ghanaian citizen, Richard Dela Sky filed a writ at the Supreme Court asking the court to interpret provisions of the 1992 Constitution on the appointment of the Chairman of the Electoral Commission.
The writ will also pray the Honorable Justices of the highest court of the land to give judicial definition of the process for appointing a replacement for the former EC Chief, Dr Kwadwo Afari- Gyan, who retired on June 18, 2015.
But President John Dramani Mahama has appointed a lawyer, Charlotte Osei to replace Dr Afari Gyan.
A statement signed by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah said Mrs. Osei was until her appointment the Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).
Mr. Afenyo Markin, who is also counsel for Richard Dela Sky, contends that the president may have aappointed a new EC chair, but it lies on the Supreme Court to determine whether the appointment amounts to contempt or not.
“As far as I’m concerned, the president was in a rush knowing very well that the appointment is being challenged in court. All I can say is that I’m very disappointed, but we will all be schooled when next we return to court” he stated on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show on Friday June 26, 2015.
