Ofosu: Resetting The EC Could Also Mean Balancing A Lopsided State Institution

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, during an interview on Joy News on Tuesday October 13, 2026 defended the idea of restructuring the Electoral Commission (EC), arguing that such a move could provide an opportunity to address perceived imbalances within state institutions.

He questioned why efforts to restore balance in an institution should attract criticism, particularly when the objective is to promote fairness and public confidence.

Speaking on the issue, Mr Kwakye Ofosu suggested that resetting the composition of the Electoral Commission should not automatically be interpreted as an attempt to undermine the institution’s independence.

According to him, the process could also be viewed as an opportunity to correct what some consider a lopsided arrangement within an important state institution.

“Resetting the EC could also mean balancing a lopsided state institution. What’s wrong in tilting the balance?” he asked. His comments come amid ongoing public discussions about the composition, independence and leadership of Ghana’s Electoral Commission.

The institution plays a central role in the country’s democratic process, with responsibility for organising public elections and ensuring that electoral activities are conducted in accordance with the law.

The debate over changes to the EC has attracted political attention, with questions being raised about whether appointments and possible restructuring could influence perceptions of the commission’s neutrality.

While some may view changes as necessary to improve representation and restore confidence, others could express concerns about the potential political implications of such decisions. Mr Kwakye Ofosu’s remarks appear to challenge the assumption that any attempt to alter the existing arrangement must necessarily be harmful.

By questioning what is wrong with “tilting the balance,” he has invited further discussion about whether the current structure adequately reflects the principles of fairness and institutional accountability.

However, the issue also raises broader questions about how Ghana can maintain the independence of its electoral management body while addressing concerns about its composition.

Public confidence in the EC remains important because the credibility of elections depends not only on the processes followed but also on whether citizens believe the institution operates impartially.

The discussion is therefore likely to remain a significant part of the country’s governance debate, particularly as political stakeholders continue to examine the relationship between institutional reform, constitutional requirements and democratic accountability.

Ultimately, Mr Kwakye Ofosu’s position highlights the need for a broader conversation about what constitutes balance within state institutions and how any proposed changes to the Electoral Commission should be assessed against the principles of independence, fairness and public trust.