<<Print>>

The Chairman of the UK and Ireland branch of the National Democratic Congress has called for a re-definition of the term of office for anyone appointed as Chairman of the Electoral Commission and other statutory bodies, to forestall any negative perceptions about the discharge of their duties. Speaking on Adom FM�s Dwaso Nsem morning show on Wednesday October 10, 2012, Horace Nii Ayi Ankrah said being head of such an important national body required creativity and innovation; therefore if one stayed in the position for too long his ideas could get stale and the person becomes resistant to change even if it is good for the nation. With particular reference to Dr Afari Gyan, Horace Nii Ayi Ankrah said, �It is very true Dr Afari Gyan has been doing his job as the law requires. I think, to be honest he�s been there too long. In such positions and in any democratic country you want to be a bit creative, innovative and ensure there are no arguments about the things you do. �I know it is a bit harsh to say he is grossly incompetent a person, because he�s been able to conduct not less than two elections successfully. But I think it is getting to a point where when you don�t listen to people complaining and people suggesting things to you, it shows you are taking things for granted. That is how I see it� �I think it�s about time we look at the time somebody spends as head of such an institution.� Mr Ankrah was responding to media reports that the MP for Asokwa, Maxwell Kofi Jumah, had called for Dr Afari Gyan�s head because he was a �grossly incompetent person� who was not qualified to hold such a position. The Daily Guide newspaper reports that the Asokwa MP made the call at a media soiree he organized in his constituency, in the course of which he said Dr Afari Gyan�s incompetence was what made him push for the creation of 45 new constituencies barely two months to the polls.