The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Charlotte Osei, has stated that she did not lobby to be appointed as the chair of the country’s election management body.
Nonetheless, she averred that she is enthused by the opportunity to serve saying: “There is no greater honour than serving your country.”
Mrs. Osei was appointed as chair of the EC in July 2015 by former President John Mahama – making her the first woman to hold the position since independence in 1957.
Her appointment was in accordance with article 70(2) of the 1992 Constitution, replacing Dr. Kwadwo Afari Gyan.
Mrs. Osei’s appointment was met with fierce repudiation from some members of the now governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), chief among them was the Assin Central Member of Parliament of the NPP, Kennedy Agyapong.
Whilst addressing members of the party at Asokwa in the Ashanti region, Mr. Agyapong alleged that Mrs. Osei gave sexual favours in order to be considered for her current position.
Speaking in a yet-to-be aired interview on GHOne’s State of Affairs, Mrs. Osei said the comments were unfortunate saying “People say a lot about me but I ignore them and keep moving.”
When asked how she deals with abuse? She said: “Oh yes! You just ignore it. I mean you have to know who you are as a person.
“You have to have your own values and they say that reputation is what other people think about you. Ultimately what matters is your character. Your character will eventually speak for itself.
“So focus on developing your own values and your own vision and pursue your vision or whatever God has placed on you to do. Ignore the tags and just focus. That’s not who you are.”
