Accra, Ghana – Joyce Bawah Mogtari, the special aide to President-Elect John Dramani Mahama, has called for the resignation of Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC). In a recent interview with Channel One TV, Mogtari criticized Mensa’s handling of the 2024 general elections, labeling her as incompetent and biased.

The Call for Resignation

Mogtari’s call for Mensa’s resignation comes in the wake of the NDC’s decisive victory in the 2024 elections. She argued that the EC’s delay in announcing the results contributed to the violence and unrest that followed the elections. “I was thinking that the EC chairperson was going to resign yesterday. Look, my brother, they’ve been incompetent, to say the least. There’s been too many partisans there, the arm twisting. When the will of the people is up against you, there is nothing you can do,” Mogtari stated.

Allegations of Partisanship

Mogtari accused the EC of being heavily partisan and suggested that the commission needs a complete overhaul to restore its integrity and credibility. She emphasized that the current EC, under Mensa’s leadership, has shown significant bias against the NDC. “We ought to reset the EC and delete all the partisans who are in there. And she [Jean] herself has displayed enormous prejudice and bias towards the NDC, she should go and I think she ought to respect herself and leave,” Mogtari added.

The Impact of Delayed Results

The delay in announcing the election results was a major point of contention. Mogtari blamed this delay for the pockets of violence that erupted across the country. She noted that the delay in declaring the results created unnecessary tension and uncertainty. “One of the reasons we have these pockets of violence is because it took too long for the EC to declare the results. They counted the presidential, and by the time we all went to bed, we knew, the main vanquish had actually thrown in the towel, what were they [EC] waiting for?” she questioned.

Calls for Comprehensive Reforms

Mogtari also highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms at the EC. She suggested that the John Mahama administration would prioritize these reforms to ensure the commission’s efficiency and effectiveness while upholding its independence. “If there were elementary breaches, then she has no business being there, if you ask me and I personally think, from a very professional perspective, that everything to do with the EC needs a complete reform and hopefully it will form part of the constitutional amendment process,” Mogtari stated.

Public Reaction

The public reaction to Mogtari’s comments has been mixed. While some have supported her call for Mensa’s resignation, others have defended the EC chairperson, arguing that the election process was fair and transparent. Social media platforms have been buzzing with discussions, with many Ghanaians sharing their views on the issue.

The Role of Leadership

Leadership within the EC will play a crucial role in the success of any reforms. The commission must demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing the concerns of all political parties and ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process. This includes engaging with stakeholders, listening to their grievances, and taking concrete steps to address the issues that led to the current dissatisfaction.

Historical Context

The EC has been a pivotal institution in Ghana’s democratic process, overseeing multiple elections and ensuring the peaceful transfer of power. However, the recent controversies highlight the need for continuous improvement and adaptation to maintain public trust. Understanding the historical context of the EC’s role and its challenges is essential for implementing effective reforms.

Moving Forward

As Ghana moves forward, the need for electoral reforms and the restoration of public trust in the EC will be crucial for the nation’s democratic process. The new administration must prioritize these reforms to ensure the commission’s efficiency and effectiveness while upholding its independence. By addressing the concerns raised by Mogtari and other stakeholders, the EC can work towards rebuilding its credibility and ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.

Joyce Bawah Mogtari’s call for Jean Mensa’s resignation underscores the deep divisions and controversies surrounding the 2024 general elections. As Ghana moves forward, the need for electoral reforms and the restoration of public trust in the EC will be crucial for the nation’s democratic process. The EC’s ability to respond to these challenges and to rebuild its support base will be critical to its future success.