The controversy surrounding the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana’s performance during the 2024 elections has intensified, with former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu defending EC Chairperson Jean Mensa against calls for her resignation. These calls were sparked by Joyce Bawa Mogtari, an aide to President-elect John Dramani Mahama, who alleged that Mensa’s handling of the elections compromised public trust in the Commission.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has a long history of criticizing the EC. Before the elections, the party accused the Commission of bias and incompetence, with some leaders demanding the removal of Mensa and her deputies. The NDC repeatedly questioned the EC’s ability to conduct free and fair elections, further escalating tensions.
Despite these accusations, the EC maintained its independence and delivered what it described as a credible election, even amidst challenges such as biometric verification issues and the reprinting of ballot papers. Jean Mensa and her team worked to ensure a smooth electoral process, which Haruna Iddrisu acknowledged in his defense.
Speaking during an interview with TV3, Iddrisu dismissed calls for Mensa’s resignation, arguing that unless she was proven guilty of misconduct or procurement irregularities, there was no justification for her removal. He stressed that the role of the EC Chair does not determine the leadership of Ghana, as that power lies solely with the electorate.
"Why will you change the chairperson of the Electoral Commission? These are not matters of primary concern to President Mahama. Where Jean Mensa is, she does not determine who rules Ghana. Ghanaians determine who rules Ghana," Iddrisu stated.
Iddrisu’s remarks were a direct response to Joyce Mogtari, whose argument for Mensa’s resignation centered on restoring public trust in the EC. However, Iddrisu suggested that the NDC’s persistent criticism of the EC was more politically motivated than focused on improving Ghana’s democratic process.
He urged stakeholders to prioritize respect for the democratic system over fixating on the individual leading the EC, emphasizing the importance of a credible electoral process. His comments stood in contrast to the NDC’s longstanding stance, indicating a division within the party on how to approach the issue.
While Mogtari insisted that the EC’s credibility had been tarnished under Mensa’s leadership, Iddrisu’s defense highlighted the Commission’s resilience in navigating electoral challenges and delivering a credible outcome. His position underscores the need for measured discourse around Ghana’s democratic institutions and the importance of focusing on strengthening, rather than undermining, the processes that uphold them.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0