It Is Unconstitutional For Any Group To Coerce The Prez To Change Head Of E.C- Emile Short

A former Commissioner of CHRAJ, Justice Emile Short says it is constitutionally unacceptable for any group especially the Ghana Bar Association to coerce President Mahama to initiate any process to retire the Electoral Commissioner, Dr Kojo Afari-Gyan for any reason. Speaking to Radio Ghana on the GBA's advocacy for President Mahama to retire Dr Afari-Gyan, Justice Emile Short said he does not think that President Mahama even has that prerogative to initiate any process to retire the Electoral Commissioner. He said at best what the government, civil society groups and Ghanaians can do for Dr Afari-Gyan is to allow him retire as a dignified public servant. But a Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr Evans Aggrey Darko says the Ghana Bar Association's call for the replacement of the Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Dr Afari-Gyan, is legitimate. He said the call though legitimate, should go with responsible demands. Speaking on UNIIQ Breakfast Show, Dr Aggrey Darko pointed out that Dr Afari-Gyan's Chairmanship is based on the Constitution through the Council of State, and therefore it is only the Constitution which can determine the duration or the end of his stay in office. He disagreed with those calling on him to step down or be removed by the President. Dr Aggrey Darko however suggested sober reflection with broad consultation devoid of partisanship when looking for a new person to succeed Dr Afari-Gyan after his term of office.