Mr. Ade Coker further accused Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensa and the newly nominated deputy EC  Chair, Dr. Eric Asare Bossman of being well-known sympathizers of the NPP.

He also said Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensa is a card-bearing member of the NPP hence not fit for the EC top job.

EC appointments regrettable – Mahama

Former President John Dramani Mahama in a tweet on Tuesday, July 24, described the nomination of four new officials to the Electoral Commission as a “regrettable” decision by President Nana Akufo-Addo.

According to Mr. Mahama, the controversy surrounding the removal of Mrs. Charlotte Osei and her deputies, and the subsequent appointment of Jean Mensa and other officials is a potential threat to Ghana’s democratic credentials.

President Akufo-Addo removes Charlotte Osei, deputies

In June 2018, President Akufo-Addo removed the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei and her two deputies, Amadu Sulley and Georgina Opoku Amankwaa from office.

This was after a committee set up by the Chief Justice, Justice Sophia Akuffo, under Article 146(4) of the Constitution, investigated separate complaints of procurement breaches and financial malfeasance brought against the three persons by some Ghanaian citizens including staff of the Electoral Commission.

The Committee recommended their removal on the basis of stated misbehavior and incompetence, under Article 146 (1) of the Constitution.

Replacements named

On Monday, July 23, 2018, the Presidency announced the nomination of the Executive Director of the Institute of Economic Affairs, (IEA) Jean Adukwei Mensa as the new Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.

Other persons nominated for appointment by President Akufo-Addo to the Commission included Samuel Tettey for the Deputy Chairperson, Dr. Eric Asare Bossman also as a Deputy Chairperson and Adwoa Asuama Abrefa as a Member of Commission.

Meanwhile, the Progressive People Party (PPP), have also accused President Nana Akufo-Addo of failing to consult political party representatives before the appointments.

In a statement signed by the National Secretary, Murtala Mohammed,  it said the appointment of the new EC officials would have “passed the litmus test of transparency, good governance, and best practices” if they were consulted.

–citinewsroom