The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged political parties to set aside their mistrust of the Electoral Commission (EC) and work together to uphold the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process.

Speaking during a dinner with members of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) at the Manhyia Palace, held in conjunction with the association’s Annual General Conference, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II stressed the importance of restoring confidence between the EC and political actors.

While acknowledging the necessity for vigilance, the Asantehene emphasised building trust was vital for a healthy democracy.

“I remain pretty sanguine about the outcome for two main reasons,” Otumfuo Osei Tutu II remarked.

“Ghanaians have arrived where we are, not by accident, but through the force of history. In our first quarter of a century of existence as an independent nation, we have tried almost every system of governance conceived by man,” the Asantehene stated.

Reflecting on Ghana’s political evolution, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II highlighted the nation’s transition from a one-party state to various forms of military rule, and then to a democracy that empowers citizens to choose their government.

“However discreditable one may think of the people, I can see no circumstances in which Ghanaians will sacrifice the freedom of today, the prospect of changing their government by the power of their thumb, for any other alternative,” he asserted.

The Asantehene also praised the resilience of Ghana’s electoral system, noting: “However one may distract the individuals in charge of the electoral process at any given time, it has been demonstrated that changes will occur in spite of the individual operatives.

“The evidence of our history is that the system does produce the outcome that reflects the voice of the people and remains ready as always to play a part to protect the integrity of the process when the need arises.”

He also called for reduced mistrust and improved relations.

“So here again, I will appeal for a lowering of mistrust. Heightened vigilance is of course necessary, but we need to restore confidence between contesting political parties and candidates in the Electoral Commission,” the Otumfuo added.