The National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s petition seeking the Council of State to review the approval of Dr Peter Appiahene and Hajia Salima Ahmed Tijani as Members of the Electoral Commission has been thrown out.

The Council indicated unequivocally that the recommendation for approval could not be revisited.

The Council explained in a letter to the NDC that the process was regarded as complete once it had properly reviewed the CVs of the nominees and delivered its advice to the President.

Also, the subsequent inauguration of the appointees cemented the Council’s involvement in the appointment process.

“As you rightly stated in paragraph 8 of the third page of your letter, the President having sworn into Office the two individuals, the Council of State has become functus officio in the process of their appointment.

“It is therefore not possible to review the recommendations already made by the Council to the President,” expects of the statement signed by the Chairman of the Council of State, Nana Otuo Siriboe noted.

The Council made it clear that it does not have the authority to examine suggestions after the President has accepted them and taken appropriate action. With this choice, it is effectively impossible to reconsider Dr. Peter Appiahene and Hajia Salima Ahmed Tijani’s acceptance.

The nomination of candidates for the Electoral Commission is a critical stage in maintaining Ghana’s democratic system. In order to maintain the Electoral Commission’s credibility and openness, the Council of State’s role in screening and providing advice on these appointments is crucial.