Former President John Dramani Mahama has 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 her deputies and the subsequent appointment of Mrs. Jean Mensa and three other deputy commissioners is a potential threat to Ghana’s democratic credentials.
In a tweet, the former President said the turn of events is regrettable.
“Current controversy surrounding removal of EC Chair and deputies and subsequent appointment of new commissioners is regrettable and carries a potential to erode Ghana’s democratic credentials,” the former President said in a tweet.
Mahama boycotted debate by Jean Mensa’s IEA in 2016
It must, however, be stated that Madam Jean Mensa has not been in the good books of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Prior to election 2016, the NDC, which was then the ruling government, boycotted the IEA’s presidential debate, which meant that President John Dramani Mahama, who was the NDC’s candidate, did not participate in the national debate.
Some NDC members who were officials of the government, including a deputy minister of communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, had described her as arrogant following her response to the concerns the NDC raised at the time over the debate.
Jean Mensa is anti-NDC
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has already expressed its dissatisfaction with the nomination of Jean Adukwei Mensa saying she’s anti-NDC.
The party in statement said it will in due course provide details of what it calls “open and covert activities of Jean Mensa which makes her unfit to occupy the high position of Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of the Republic of Ghana.”
President Akufo-Addo removes Charlotte Osei, deputies
Last month, 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, pursuant to 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, pursuant to 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 prior to the appointment of the EC officials.
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.
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Titus 1:15 - Unto the pure all things are pure: but to them that defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; ....
So Mr Formal President what should have the current President do?. To still keep the position vacant? ooooooooooooo MAHAMA WAAAAAAAAAAAAALOOK
Mahama, the appointment will not not erode any democratic credentials. It was the same democracy that gave you the power to appoint Charlotte Osei. That same democracy gave you the power to usurp the powers of the supreme court and acquit Montie 3. You use that same democracy to relieve Mrs. Lamptey of her post as NCCE and appoint her successor. Akuffo Addo is also using that same democracy. You had your chance as president and you disappointed most of us who were rooting for a younger leader. Give the old man the peace of mind and let's see what he will do.You are an ex-prez who may never become president again so do not create unnecessary fear and panic, leave that for Asiedu Nkrapans and the Sammy Gyamfis. Learn from Prez Kufour and conduct yourself as former leader who may likely become the longest "serving" ex-prez (i.e if you do not win 2020)
Look who is talking, John, did you wait for the dust around Charlotte Osei to settle before you appointed her as the new EC boss with all the court cases going on then? Just keep mute and enjoy your retirement please.
are you a stranger in Jerusalem, Ford Mahama, they rather exposed themselves in public without pointing a gun at them, so who cause am? if you don't have good things to say, just ***barred word*** and let us have a peace. you were relying on her,hence your heavy defeat, so learn your lessons well.
U are just something else. Really mahani? I believe you’re so bored out of your mind so just say anything to make u feel a lil better of yourself.
YOU FILLED THE POSITION WITH YOUR GIRL LOVER,THE PRESIDENT CHOOSE SOMEONE WHO IS COMPETENT,AND NOT SOMEONE WHO DECIDED, NOT TO DECLARE OUR NATIONAL ELECTIONS UNTIL HIS LOVER CALLS HIM BEFORE DECLARING THE WINNER.