Former President John Dramani Mahama has taken steps to demand the removal of the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, and three other officials. The petition, filed on grounds of alleged “gross incompetence,” seeks to question the credibility of their performance in office and calls for accountability in the nation’s electoral processes.
In the petition submitted to the relevant authorities, Mahama expressed concerns over what he described as recurring inefficiencies and irregularities within the Commission. According to him, these alleged shortcomings, if not addressed, pose a significant threat to Ghana’s democracy and could undermine public trust in the EC’s ability to conduct credible elections.
The individuals named in the petition include EC Chairperson Jean Mensa and her deputies, whose conduct Mahama claims has been marred by systemic failures. These alleged failures, he said, came to light during critical moments in the management of past electoral events. Mahama believes the issues are not isolated but part of a broader pattern that requires decisive action to safeguard the integrity of the electoral body.
The former President also criticized the EC’s handling of the voters’ register and other electoral-related processes, emphasizing that transparency and fairness must be the foundation of the Commission’s work. He reiterated that his petition is not a personal vendetta but a patriotic effort to strengthen Ghana’s democratic institutions.
Reacting to the petition, some members of the public and political commentators have shared mixed opinions. While some support Mahama’s stance, others argue that the move could be seen as politically motivated. Critics suggest that the timing of the petition, with elections approaching, could potentially stir tensions within the political landscape.
The Electoral Commission has yet to respond to the allegations raised in the petition. However, legal experts have pointed out that the removal of an EC Chairperson or other officials is a complex process that requires concrete evidence and adherence to constitutional provisions.
This development has drawn attention to the broader debate about the independence and performance of Ghana’s Electoral Commission. Many Ghanaians are now closely monitoring the situation to see how the government and other relevant authorities address the concerns raised by the former President.
As the story unfolds, the petition could spark significant political discourse in Ghana, potentially influencing the narrative leading up to the next elections.
Source: Ghanaweb