Integrity And Neutrality Of The Electoral Commission Is Being Eroded
The Caucus of Democratic Governance (CDG-Gh), has observed the progressive erosion of the Integrity and neutrality of the Electoral Commission (EC), through the conduct of its Chairperson-Ms Jean Mensa.
Generally, Institutions such as the EC are insulated from political interference and from actions with political undertone. Indeed any action that has the propensity of undermining the integrity and independence of the Commission has to be avoided to ensure the confidence of the people.
The forth Republic has seen the services of three EC Chairpersons Dr.
Afari-Gyan, Ms Charlotte Osei and Ms Jean Mensa. Dr. Afari-Gyan served
under former Presidents JJ Rawlings, Kufuor and late Atta Mills; holding high the
integrity of the Commission, Mrs. Charlotte Osei served under former President
John Mahama and serving President Akufo Addo. Ms. Osei was harassed and removed
from office by Nana Addo, acting on an unsigned petition from the public. She
was replaced by Ms Jean Mensa, whose background as a student in University of
Ghana, identify her as a strong NPP activist and whose husband is a relative of
Mrs. Rebecca Akufo Addo
Ms. Osei was not known to have flirted with the NDC government neither did she
attend any NDC political function. On the contrary, Ms Mensa, the new EC
chairperson is openly flirting and attending NPP organized parties. Ms Jean
Mensa has often been sported in many NPP functions. This is sad because it
induces mistrust in her person and in the Electoral
Commission; yet neither the government nor CSOs are calling her to order. President Akufo Addo`s carefully selected people: the EC chairperson, the Chief Justice, Director of CID, the IGP and the Parliament under his control, is confident. He seems to have covered himself with the necessary organs that can secure a rigged general election. As I write, those campaigning against the Regional referendum ( in Oti Region) are being intimidated and brutalized. Is that what the President seeks to do in 2020?
It is the hope and expectations of the CDG-Gh that the EC and its chairperson, live to the rules of the game; that is integrity and neutrality. It is the only way to avoid dragging the EC into needless controversies that would ultimately affect the efficiency of the Commission.
Dr E.K.Hayfod
Chief Convener CDG-GH
0277606338 / 0542490709
