In completing, the setting up of its internal structures, the NEC of the NDC in its last meeting approved some appointments to the FEC, NEC and the Council of Elders. I have had the privilege of being a member of the NDC NEC since 2014, and I must say, the approval of the various appointments was, arguably, generally the smoothest with little or no reservation.
In particular, the recent approval of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah as the Director of Elections and IT within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been met with widespread approval and enthusiasm among party members and stakeholders. This decision, which reflects a broader consultative process involving regional chairpersons and various stakeholders, has not only garnered unanimous support within the party but has also infused a renewed sense of hope and unity.
This smooth approval process can be attributed to the comprehensive consultation undertaken prior to the final decision. In particular, the unprecedented consultation with all regional chairpersons to gather input on the nominees played a pivotal role in achieving a high level of consensus during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. Dr. Omane Boamah’s appointment, in particular, drew immense positive feedback and expectations from party members.
Nevertheless, as is often the case with positions of significant importance, there will inevitably be a small faction dissatisfied with the decision, seeking avenues to discredit the appointee and party leadership. This is exemplified by the recent petition submitted by one Delanyo Agbe, requesting a review of Dr. Omane Boamah’s appointment as NDC Director of Elections and IT. It is crucial to analyse this petition objectively.
First, it is evident that the petitioner’s intentions may not be solely focused on achieving an impartial review of the appointment. Rather, it seems their primary objective is to construct a negative narrative, publicise it, and undermine the appointee’s credibility. Such tactics are not uncommon in the political arena but tend to resonate with those less versed in political maneuvering.
Second, while it is typically prudent to let such matters unfold without much public fanfare, it is essential for those with a deeper understanding of the party’s dynamics to provide insights for the record. This ensures that any lingering doubts are addressed, reaffirming our commitment to supporting the appointed officials and party leadership. Ultimately, our collective efforts and unity behind these appointees are indispensable for securing victory for John Mahama and the NDC.
The petitioner’s main argument centres around Dr. Omane Boamah’s purported lack of “digital” competencies for contemporary elections management. However, this argument is
fundamentally flawed. Modern elections management is a socio-technical endeavour, requiring a nuanced understanding of leadership, the management of diverse stakeholders, overseeing various electoral processes, and effectively leveraging technology. The merger of the elections and IT directorates was a well-considered move for improved coordination and accountability, necessitating appointees with hybrid skill sets.
In addition to technical expertise, individuals in critical roles like this must possess qualities that go beyond the surface. These qualities include an impeccable public reputation, diligence, attention to detail, an extensive network of resources, the ability to enforce discipline, and unwavering loyalty and dedication to John Mahama and the party’s success.
I have personally known Dr. Omane Boamah for over 15 years. I closely worked with him in 2012 when I was the Eastern Regional Director of Elections responsible for collating the regional results in the 2012 elections. He was then the deputy Campaign coordinator for the JM 2012 Campaign. Those who have worked with him will testify that you won’t sleep until you deliver. Subsequently, we have worked on many internal elections projects together and we must all be ready for the Omane Boamah culture that he brings to the elections structures.
Again, let me address the last of the petitioner’s confusion. I admit it is confusing among many who really an IT/ICT/Computer/IS expert is. This contribution will not have room for such a wide discussion. However, the petitioner might have forgotten that Dr. Omane Boamah is a former minister of communication. This is the ministry that is in charge of the development of policies and supervising the implementation of various ICTs in Ghana. His recognition at the level of ITU and in the sub-region is in the records. He has a solid understanding of technology and its applications at the strategic, management and transactional levels in different domains including elections. Moreover, he understands the role and use of data in decision-making. His project management approach even to very small tasks ensures success at what he does.
Moreover, rather erroneously, the petitioner creates an impression that Dr. Omane Boamah’s unique background as a medical doctor has no bearing in his role as a Director of elections. On the contrary, his medical background and his additional training in Public Health Policy from the renowned London School of Economics equip him with a distinctive set of competencies for his role as the Director of Elections within the NDC. His medical training instills in him a rigorous analytical approach, attention to detail, and an ability to navigate complex systems. These qualities are highly valuable when overseeing intricate electoral processes, where precision and thorough understanding are essential. Furthermore, his experience in public health policy at a prestigious institution like the London School of Economics equips him with a deep understanding of policy formulation, data analysis, and strategic planning, all of which are directly applicable to the intricate task of managing elections. His grasp of data-driven decision-making, a cornerstone of public
health policy, can be seamlessly transferred to the electoral context, enhancing the party’s ability to make informed strategic choices. His background also demonstrates his ability to work under pressure, handle crises, and make critical decisions in high-stakes situations. These competencies are directly transferable to the fast-paced and often unpredictable nature of election management.
However, Dr. Omane Boamah is not a superman. He is only an individual who is supposed to bring leadership to a decentralised team of members of the elections and IT directorate at all levels of the party. It is incumbent upon all party members to support this directorate with their insights and experiences. I urge detractors and naysayers to redirect their energies toward supporting the party’s quest for electoral victory. Those already inspired by these appointments should maintain their enthusiasm, as continued hard work and unity are the keys to securing victory for John Mahama and the NDC.
Eye Zu! Eye Za!
Dr. Mark-Oliver Kevor (PhD) Senior Lecturer/ IT Consultant Eastern Regional Chairman, NDC
