President John Mahama has been asked to widely consult stakeholders before appointing a new chair of the Electoral Commission.

The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) which is supporting the call by the Ghana Bar Association for a new EC chair to be appointed said the president cannot compromise on appointing a chairman who is capable and just.

The GBA at a press conference, Tuesday, said Dr Afari Gyan has reached his retirement age and must leave before the 2016 elections.

While some have questioned the competence of Dr Gyan and demanded for his resignation following a disputed 2012 election which ended up at the Supreme Court, the GBA says their call for a new EC boss is solely in furtherance of the constitution of Ghana.

Per the constitution, public officers who attain the age of 60 and or 70 [for judges and heads of constitutional bodies including EC] must go on a compulsory retirement.

Afari Gyan, 69, has superintended six elections and will turn 70 next year.

Spokesperson of the GBA, Tony Forson, said far from questioning the competence of Dr. Afari Gyan, the GBA believes the outgoing EC boss has a proven track record of achievement and has performed creditably.

He said the president must not only consult stakeholders but people must be seen to be making inputs into the appointments in order for the newly appointed chair to be accepted by all.

Forson explained that "as the constitution says and Ghanaians expect," the person appointed must be competent, just, with no trace of political allegiance to any of the political parties.

In support of the call, an official of the CDD, Dr. Franklin Oduro said the call by the GBA could not have come at an opportune time.

While he appreciates the contributions by Dr. Afari Gyan, he was quick to add that there were other challenges under the tenure of Afari Gyan which must be reformed.

He also suggested that Parliament should play a role in the appointment of the EC chair.

Per the constitution, the president would only have to consult the council of state before appointing the EC chair.

Franklin Oduro said it would help greatly if Parliament were to play a role in the whole process of appointing a new EC boss.