Some political parties in Ghana have appealed to the immediate past chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC) to make himself available when the nation needs his counsel and expertise.
The political parties commended Dr. Kwadwo Afari Gyan for his immense contribution to the development of democracy in Ghana.
The Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Afoko told Citi News after the award ceremony that the former EC boss’s knowledge and experience should not be completely lost as a resource to Ghana.
[contextly_sidebar id=”d7OC83AWCJvOtNULcPs66UeAdmpOy4tk”]He also hoped that Ghana will continue to tap into his “rich knowledge of experience.”
“His service to the country has been recognized today and now that he has finished active duty, I would wish him well,” he said.
Paul Afoko however disclosed that his feelings about Afari Gyan “are mixed because Afari Gyan evokes a lot of emotions in all of us.”
He nonetheless indicated that “today is about Afari Gyan, it’s about the Republic Day and I would wish him well and every Ghanaian should be encouraged that when you serve your country…let your country recognize you.”
The General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) was full of admiration for Afari Gyan for distinguishing himself during his tenure as head of the EC.
According to him, “greatness is achieved over a period of time and life is full of challenges and we all make mistakes, we all have difficulties and problems but he has overcome them in his personal life and also in his professional life and the position that he has earned because of the nature of it. We have been witnesses to all of it.”
He remarked that Ghana was “very fortunate to have had him during the period that he was there and we wish him well.”
“The EC is not any small institution and the beginning of our return to democratic rule up till now has not been a small journey but it has taken people like him with his skill, craft and ability to steer the vessel to this point defiantly needs celebration.”
Dr. Kwadwo Afari Djan was on Wednesday given the highest national award for his service to the nation.
The award, ‘Companion of the Order of Star of Ghana’ was presented by President John Mahama during a ceremony to award distinguished personalities in the country.
In a citation signed by the President, Dr. Afari Gyan was praised for his meritorious work at the EC during his over two decades of service as head of the establishment.
His tenure saw him preside over five general elections in the country.
Dr. Kwadwo Afari Gyan retired as chairman of the electoral commission in June.
By: Efua Idan Osam/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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