Mr. Amadu Sulley, Deputy Electoral Commissioner, on Tuesday pledged to keep the integrity flame of the Commission high and apply the laws firmly in the discharge of his official duties.

“As the Deputy Chairman of the Electoral Commission, I would uphold, preserve, protect and defend the constitution... as by the law established. I would not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to any person any matter, which shall be brought under my consideration... and I would uphold the sovereign and integrity of Ghana”

Mr Sulley swore the official, secrecy and allegiance oaths, administered by Mrs Vida Akoto-Bamfo, Justice of the Supreme Court, in Accra.

He said his appointment was historic because “it is the first time since the inception of the EC that a career or election administrator has been appointed to that rank” and expressed his appreciation to Allah and the President for appreciating the hardwork and professionalism of career officers.

Mr. Sulley used the opportunity to spur other career officers to work harder in order to attain such great heights.

Mrs Akoto-Bamfo, urged the Commission to be guided by its mission ‘to advance the course of democracy and good governance to enhance development.’

She said as a Deputy Commissioner "your appointment comes at a very crucial time in our nation’s history as you would be required to conduct and supervise the elections and declare credible results; the nation would demand of the EC the strictest observance of impartiality, boldness, transparency, fairness and professionalism and therefore should not fail the people of Ghana".

She reminded the public that "even as we go to the polls in December, we should be guided by the ‘anthem’ of the day, peace before, peace during and peace after the elections” as the goal of the nation.

She commended the EC on the just ended nationwide biometric voter registration exercise and applauded the zeal and committed shown by the public in the exercise. She encouraged the Commission even as it prepared for the next phase, to tread the path of dialogue at all times with stakeholders in resolving issues.

The President, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills appointed Mr. Sulley Amadu as the Deputy Chairman of the Electoral Commission on April 29, 2012 in consultation with the Council of State.

Mr. Sulley Amadu, until his appointment was the Director of Research Monitoring and Evaluation of the EC.

Mr. Amadu replaced Mr. David Kanga who retired on April 29 at age 65. His appointment took effect from May 2, 2012.**