The New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ghana’s primary opposition party, has joined the chorus of voices demanding the removal of Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Jean Mensa and her two deputies. The NPP accuses the EC leadership of gross incompetence and mismanagement, specifically citing their decision to order a re-run of elections in 19 polling stations within the Ablekuma North Constituency. This decision, according to NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, is not only unnecessary but also indicative of a deeper malaise within the Commission, eroding public trust in the electoral process. The NPP’s stance echoes a similar call made earlier by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), creating a rare instance of bipartisan agreement on the need for a change in the EC’s leadership. This shared concern underscores the growing anxieties surrounding the integrity of Ghana’s electoral system as the nation approaches the 2028 general elections.
The controversy stems from the December 7 parliamentary election in the Ablekuma North Constituency. While the NPP maintains that only results from three polling stations were outstanding and sufficient to declare a winner, the EC insisted on a significantly broader re-run across 19 polling stations. Mr. Kodua argues that this decision lacks justification and exposes a troubling level of dysfunction within the Commission. He characterized the EC’s actions as a clear demonstration of incompetence, further fueling the NPP’s demand for the removal of the Chairperson and her deputies. This public condemnation of the EC by the NPP, a major political force in Ghana, adds significant weight to the growing pressure on the electoral body.
The NPP’s forceful stance aligns with the NDC’s earlier criticisms of the EC, creating an unusual bipartisan consensus on the need for leadership change within the electoral body. NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia had previously called for the removal of the EC Chairperson and her deputies, branding them unfit for office. This convergence of opinion from opposing political parties signifies a shared concern about the EC’s current trajectory and its potential impact on the fairness and transparency of future elections. The unified call for change places immense pressure on the EC and the government to address the concerns raised and take appropriate action.
The accusations of incompetence and mismanagement leveled against the EC have serious implications for Ghana’s democratic processes. A credible and impartial electoral commission is fundamental to ensuring free and fair elections, which are the bedrock of any democratic society. The perceived failures of the EC, as highlighted by both the NPP and NDC, threaten to undermine public trust in the electoral system and create an environment of uncertainty and potential instability. Restoring public confidence in the EC is crucial for maintaining a stable and democratic Ghana.
The EC’s decision to order a re-run in 19 polling stations, while only three were deemed necessary by the NPP, raises questions about the transparency and rationale behind the Commission’s actions. The lack of a clear and convincing explanation from the EC has only fueled speculation and further eroded public trust. The demand for accountability and transparency from the EC is not merely a political maneuver; it is a fundamental requirement for a healthy democracy.
The mounting pressure on Jean Mensa and her team underscores the critical juncture Ghana’s electoral system faces. With the 2028 general elections on the horizon, the ability of the EC to conduct credible and transparent elections is paramount. The bipartisan calls for leadership change within the EC highlight the urgency of addressing the concerns raised and ensuring that the electoral body is equipped to fulfill its mandate effectively. The future of Ghana’s democracy depends on the integrity and impartiality of its electoral processes, and restoring public confidence in the EC is a crucial step towards achieving that goal.
