CHARLOTTE OSEI OPENS UP ON THREATS, SEXISM AND POLITICAL PRESSURES AS EC CHAIR

It is disheartening that in this age and time, women who break the glass ceiling continue to face hostility simply because of their gender. Competence should never be judged by whether one is a man or a woman, but by the ability to lead, deliver, and inspire. One can only hope that society grows more enlightened and learns to value leadership based on merit, not gender stereotypes.

Former Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Charlotte Osei, has shared the personal ordeals she endured while serving as Ghana’s Electoral Commissioner, revealing that political hostility once escalated to the point where supporters of a political party attempted to set her father’s house on fire.

Speaking at the 2025 Democracy Dialogues in Accra, organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Mrs. Osei described her tenure as both “difficult and deeply personal,” with the pressures extending beyond professional responsibilities into her family life.

“There were a lot of lies, and so the whole fabric of the family was affected. It’s either they were worrying for themselves or constantly worrying about your safety,” she recounted.

She recalled one of the most terrifying moments: “There was a time that a political party mob surrounded my dad’s house, and they were going to burn it down because of actions they felt I had taken. So those were the kinds of personal pressures that as a woman, a mother, a daughter, a wife, and a sister, you have to deal with.”

Facing Sexism and Ageism

Mrs. Osei also spoke openly about the sexist and ageist attitudes she encountered.
“Being female, I was told directly by several people that it was not a job for a woman. Even my own father expressed the same fear. A lot of people thought I was too young, especially because I was coming after a legendary figure, Dr. Afari-Gyan,” she said.

Critique of Regional Bodies

Turning her attention to Africa’s regional institutions, she criticised ECOWAS and the African Union (AU) for what she described as a double standard in addressing political crises.

“When ECOWAS tells us, for instance, that their policy on good governance has zero tolerance for coups, we say yes. But when there are coups, ECOWAS is very loud in condemning them. Yet, when there’s constitutional manipulation or flawed elections, ECOWAS would deploy quiet diplomacy. That’s why the people are not happy,” she argued.

She further warned that the frustrations of Africa’s youthful population, faced with unemployment, exclusion, and disillusionment, must not be ignored.

“Ultimately, leaders need to do better. Institutions like the African Union and ECOWAS need to do better so they are not seen as clubs of leaders meeting among themselves, but as bodies that engage the people,” Mrs. Osei emphasised.

A Broader Reflection

Former President John Mahama, who also spoke at the event, echoed these concerns. He cautioned that the loud applause military leaders often receive during inaugurations is a sign of growing public discontent with democracy. “Democracy cannot be sustained by rights and freedoms alone if it fails to deliver real improvements in people’s lives,” he stressed.

Source: Myjoyonline.