A petition has been submitted to the Office of the President of Ghana seeking the removal of the Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Jean Mensa. The petitioner, Ofosu-Appiah Daniel, alleges several constitutional violations and instances of incompetence and bias that he claims have eroded public confidence in the Electoral Commission.
The petition, submitted on Monday, January 27, 2025, invokes Article 146 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution as the legal basis for the request. In addition to targeting Jean Mensa, the petition also seeks the removal of other key figures within the Electoral Commission, including the Deputy Chairperson in charge of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bossman Asare, the Deputy EC Chair in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey, and Dr. Peter Appiahene, who serves on the commission’s board.
In his petition, Ofosu-Appiah Daniel outlines a series of accusations against the EC Chair and her deputies, alleging gross misconduct, breaches of human rights, and incompetence in their official roles. He argues that their actions and inactions have not only undermined the integrity of the Electoral Commission but have also jeopardized the electoral process in Ghana. The petitioner contends that the continued tenure of the EC Chair and her deputies poses a significant threat to the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution and the rights of Ghanaian citizens to free and fair elections.
“By these actions and inactions, the Chairperson and her deputies have undermined the integrity of the Electoral Commission and breached their constitutional duties under Articles 42, 46, 23, and 296. Their continued stay in office poses a threat to the Ghanaian people in the electoral process,” part of the petition states.
The petitioner’s claims come at a time when the Electoral Commission is under scrutiny for its handling of previous elections and its perceived bias towards certain political parties. Critics have argued that the commission has failed to uphold its mandate to ensure transparent and impartial elections, leading to widespread disillusionment among voters. The petition reflects growing concerns among the public regarding the credibility of the electoral process and the importance of having a trustworthy electoral body.
Ofosu-Appiah Daniel’s decision to submit the petition follows ongoing debates and discussions surrounding electoral reforms in Ghana. Many citizens have expressed their desire for a more accountable and transparent electoral process, emphasizing the need for leadership within the Electoral Commission that can restore public trust. The petition seeks to address these concerns by calling for a change in leadership, which the petitioner believes is essential for the improvement of the electoral system in the country.
In recent years, there have been numerous calls for reforms within the Electoral Commission, with advocates arguing that the current leadership structure is inadequate to meet the challenges faced by the organization. The petition submitted by Ofosu-Appiah Daniel highlights these issues and serves as a rallying cry for those who seek to hold the commission accountable for its actions.
The timing of the petition is significant, as Ghana approaches critical elections in the coming months. The integrity of the Electoral Commission is paramount to ensuring that these elections are conducted fairly and transparently. As public confidence in the electoral process continues to wane, the petitioner hopes that the submission of this petition will prompt serious consideration by the Office of the President regarding the leadership of the commission.
The petition also emphasizes the constitutional obligations of the Electoral Commission, which is tasked with overseeing the electoral process and ensuring that it is conducted in accordance with the law. The petitioner argues that the EC’s failure to fulfill these obligations undermines the foundation of democracy in Ghana and compromises the rights of citizens to participate in free and fair elections.
Supporters of the petition have expressed their solidarity with Ofosu-Appiah Daniel and his calls for accountability within the Electoral Commission. Many citizens have taken to social media to voice their opinions, calling for the President to take immediate action in response to the petition. The growing public discourse surrounding the issue reflects a broader demand for transparency and accountability in Ghana’s governance structures.
As the petition makes its way to the Office of the President, the implications of its outcome could be far-reaching. If the President takes action in response to the petition, it could set a precedent for greater accountability within the Electoral Commission and potentially lead to broader electoral reforms in the country. Conversely, if the petition is dismissed, it may further erode public confidence in the electoral process and the institutions responsible for overseeing it.
The next steps in this process will be closely monitored by both supporters and critics of the Electoral Commission. As discussions about the petition unfold, it is essential for all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue about the future of Ghana’s electoral system. Ensuring that the electoral process is fair, transparent, and credible is crucial for the preservation of democracy in Ghana and the protection of the rights of its citizens.
In conclusion, the petition seeking the removal of Jean Mensa as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission highlights significant concerns regarding the integrity and functioning of the electoral body in Ghana.
With growing public discontent surrounding the commission’s actions, the petition serves as a critical step towards advocating for accountability and transparency in the electoral process. The outcome of this petition will have lasting implications for the future of Ghana’s democracy and the trust of its citizens in the electoral system.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the Office of the President will respond to the calls for leadership change within the Electoral Commission and what measures will be taken to restore public confidence in the electoral process.
