What are the functions of the Electoral Commission of Ghana?

The Electoral Commission of Ghana is an independent body established by the Constitution to perform several functions, including conducting and supervising free and fair elections in the country.

According to the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the commission shall consist of a chairperson, two deputy chairpersons, and four other members. The members of the commission are appointed by the president under Article 70 of the 1992 Constitution. Members of the commission are expected to remain independent, neutral, and non-partisan.

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Key Functions of the Electoral Commission of Ghana

1. Compilation of the Electoral Register
   The Electoral Commission is responsible for compiling the register of voters for all citizens who are 18 years or older and meet the voting requirements. The commission ensures that no eligible voter is deliberately disenfranchised. Additionally, it provides a credible register for the conduct of elections.
2. Creation of Constituencies
   The commission is mandated to demarcate the electoral boundaries of the country into constituencies for national elections. In delimiting constituencies, the commission considers factors such as administrative convenience, geographical features, and population distribution within the area.
3. Education
   Another key function of the Electoral Commission is to educate citizens on electoral processes. This includes informing people about the importance of voting, voting procedures, election dates, voting centers, and how to cast valid votes without spoiling the ballot.
4. Training
   The commission is responsible for appointing and training auxiliary staff for elections. It trains presiding officers and polling station agents to ensure the smooth conduct of elections.
5. Conducting and Supervising Public Elections
   The Electoral Commission conducts and supervises public elections in Ghana. It sets election dates and ensures that elections are conducted freely and fairly. Article 45 of the 1992 Constitution mandates the commission to carry out this responsibility.

Ghana will go to the polls on December 7th to elect both a president and 275 members of parliament. The Electoral Commission (EC) is expected to perform its core function of supervising the elections in a professional, free, and fair manner.

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List of Electoral Commissioners of Ghana Since 1992

Since 1992, Ghana has had three Electoral Commissioners:

1. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan (1992–2015) – The longest-serving and most celebrated Electoral Commissioner.
2. Charlotte Osei (2015–2018) – Appointed in 2015 but removed in 2018.
3. Jean Adukwei Mensa (2018–present) – The current Electoral Commissioner.