Johnson Asiedu Nketia the Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has stated the fact that the NDC won the 2024 elections does not turn the Electoral Commission chairperson Madam Jean Mensa into an angel.
Asiedn Nketia, in an interview on Radio Gold, noted that the exit of the EC chair is key to the party’s reset agenda.
He also revealed he was the one who started the whole conversation about the removal of high-ranking officers at various state institutions.
Speaking on Radio Gold, Asideu Nketia stated, “I am the one who started the whole conversation about the removal of high-ranking officers at various state institutions, including the Auditor General, the Electoral Commission, among others”
“The fact that the NDC won the 2024 election does not turn the EC Chair, Mrs. Jean Mensa, into an angel. Left with me alone, she should be removed together with the entire leadership of the Electoral Commission”, he added.
Asiedu Nketia appears to be setting the tone for the future sacking of the Electoral Commission boss despite the NDC victory.
There have been growing concerns about the fairness of the Electoral Commission. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in particular has been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the Commission’s handling of the recent elections.
Centre for Democracy and Socio-Economic Development (CDS Africa), has advised President John Dramani Mahama not to attempting replacing the Electoral Commission chairperson, Jean Mensa and her two deputies.
According to the, any attempt by the president to make such a move will be faced with fierce opposition as doing so will set a dangerous precedent for future governments, potentially infringing upon the independence of the Commission.
CDS Africa’s petition comes after two separate petitions were filed against the EC Chairperson and her deputies – Dr Bossman Asare and Mr Samuel Tettey – alleging misconduct and calling for their removal from office.
Meanwhile, Minister of State in Charge of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has emphasized that the President will not remove the Electoral Commission Chair, Jean Mensa without following the proper procedures.
According to Kwakye Ofosu, President Mahama is a firm believer in upholding the rule of law and will not take any actions that could be seen as arbitrary or unjust.
When asked if the EC chair will be replaced, he stated, “These things are dictated by law it is not whimsical. You can’t decide that you don’t like Jean Mensa so she should be removed. I will not endorse that.”
He explained that any such removal must go through certain processes “You have to do something that merits removal that must be proven through a fair and transparent process. So if the process is met why not but I am not going to say today that because Jean Mensa has been widely criticized by the NDC for incompetence and if you like unfairness and biases she should be removed.”
