“The Fall of Charlotte Osei: A Controversial Dismissal”
On this very day, a chapter of Ghana’s democratic journey took a sharp, divisive turn. It was the day Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo removed Charlotte Osei, Ghana’s first female Electoral Commission Chair, from office—a move that sparked nationwide debate and international concern.
Charlotte Osei, who had successfully overseen the tightly contested 2016 elections, was accused of procurement breaches and administrative lapses—charges some believed were politically motivated. Many critics argued that the process used to investigate and subsequently remove her lacked transparency, fairness, and due process.
Despite her stature and global recognition for promoting electoral integrity, Charlotte was dismissed based on recommendations from a committee set up by the Chief Justice, acting on anonymous petitions. No open hearings. No opportunity for cross-examination. No public accountability. Legal minds and civil society groups condemned the action, calling it a breach of constitutional independence of the Electoral Commission.
To this day, questions linger: Was her removal about procurement, or politics? Was it justice, or a quiet purge of independent voices?
Let us not forget — it was on this very date that President Akufo-Addo signed away the tenure of Charlotte Osei, and in doing so, shook the very foundation of electoral independence in Ghana.
