Haruna Iddrisu, the former Minority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament, has dismissed recent calls for Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), to step down from her position. This call was made by Joyce Bawa Mogtari, an aide to former President John Dramani Mahama, who argued that the EC has become overly partisan and incompetent. However, Haruna Iddrisu disagrees, stating that there is no valid reason for Jean Mensa to resign unless she has been found guilty of misconduct or procurement-related violations.
Speaking during an interview with Accra-based TV3, Haruna questioned the basis for Mogtari’s demand, emphasizing that the role of the EC Chairperson does not influence who becomes the leader of the country. According to him, Ghanaians ultimately decide their leaders through elections, not the EC Chairperson. He also noted that these matters are not a primary concern for former President Mahama, indicating that the focus should remain on issues that directly impact the people.
“That who should resign? Over what? Charlotte Osei was chairperson of the Electoral Commission, but they had issues with her because of procurement. If Jean Mensa too has procurement issues, that will determine her future,” Haruna remarked. He continued by stating, “Why will you change the chairperson of the Electoral Commission? These are not matters that are of primary concern to President Mahama. I beg you, no. Where Jean Mensa is, she does not determine who rules Ghana. Ghanaians determine who rules Ghana.”
This statement comes in response to Joyce Bawa Mogtari’s recent criticism of the EC during an interview with Channel 1 Television, also based in Accra. Mogtari expressed her dissatisfaction with how the EC has handled its duties, accusing the Commission of failing to act independently and blaming its inefficiency for some of the unrest during Ghana’s elections. She suggested that Jean Mensa should have stepped down by now, considering the public frustration surrounding the EC’s operations.
“I was thinking the EC Chairperson was going to resign yesterday. We are in a circular state, and you spend all this time telling us what to do and what not to do,” Mogtari said during her interview. She went on to describe the EC as “incompetent” and “overly partisan,” arguing that the Commission needs to be cleansed to regain public trust.
According to Mogtari, one of the reasons for the political unrest and violence seen in recent elections was the EC’s delay in declaring results. She believes that such delays create tension and uncertainty, further deepening the mistrust between the people and the Commission.
These comments have reignited public debate about the Electoral Commission’s role and the perceived partisanship of its leadership. Jean Mensa, who was appointed as Chairperson of the EC in 2018, has faced criticism from opposition figures and some civil society groups who question her impartiality. However, her supporters argue that she has worked within the boundaries of the law and should not be held responsible for the challenges that arise during elections.
Haruna Iddrisu’s remarks highlight a contrasting perspective, focusing on the need for evidence of wrongdoing before calling for the removal of the EC Chairperson. He used the example of former EC Chair Charlotte Osei, who was removed in 2018 over allegations of procurement breaches. According to him, unless similar allegations are made and proven against Jean Mensa, there is no justification for her resignation.
The former Minority Leader also urged politicians and stakeholders to focus on ensuring that the democratic process is respected rather than fixating on the person who leads the Electoral Commission. He emphasized that the ultimate decision of who governs Ghana lies with the people through their votes, not with the EC or its Chairperson.
This debate brings to the forefront the broader question of how independent institutions like the Electoral Commission can maintain their credibility in a politically charged environment. Critics of the EC argue that the Commission must do more to assure the public of its neutrality, while defenders believe that its challenges are often exaggerated for political gain.
For many Ghanaians, the issue is not just about the individual leading the Commission but about the systems and structures that support the democratic process. Delays in announcing election results, allegations of partisanship, and lack of communication from the EC are some of the concerns that have fueled mistrust in recent years.
The calls for Jean Mensa’s resignation reflect deeper frustrations about how the electoral process is managed. However, others, like Haruna Iddrisu, believe that such demands are premature and could undermine the stability of Ghana’s democratic institutions.
As the debate continues, the focus remains on how Ghana can strengthen its democracy and ensure that the Electoral Commission operates transparently and efficiently. For now, Jean Mensa’s position as EC Chairperson appears secure, unless concrete evidence emerges to warrant her removal. Whether or not she steps down, the conversation about reforming Ghana’s electoral processes will undoubtedly continue to shape the country’s political landscape.
This ongoing discussion underscores the importance of trust in electoral systems and the critical role they play in maintaining peace and stability in any democracy.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0