Akwasi Addai Odike Accuses EC Chair Jean Mensa of Bias Against Smaller Political Parties

 

Ghanaian businessman and politician Akwasi Addai Odike has leveled serious accusations against the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, alleging that she has consistently shown bias and hostility toward smaller political parties.

In an interview with Ezra TV, Odike discussed the petition calling for the removal of Jean Mensa, a matter that has sparked growing public debate. He claimed that under Mensa’s leadership, smaller political parties have been unfairly treated during the electoral process.

Odike criticized the current EC administration for its approach to handling nomination errors, comparing it unfavorably to the era of former EC Chair Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan. He explained that in Afari-Gyan’s time, political parties were allowed to correct errors in their nomination documents. However, he alleged that under Jean Mensa’s leadership, the EC is more punitive, refusing to accept corrections and instead withdrawing documents to later announce disqualifications via press conferences. “If she has any shame, she should go home quietly,” Odike added.

The businessman also accused the EC of co-opting smaller political parties to support its positions in Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meetings, while sidelining parties that are not aligned with the government. Odike claimed that a member of his own party, who worked within the EC, warned him in advance about a “strong hand” that would prevent him from successfully filing his nomination forms. He said this prediction ultimately came true.

“They have hatred for some of the smaller parties that are not aligned with the government,” Odike said. “If she can defend that I am telling lies, she should come out and defend herself.”

Odike's accusations are part of a broader wave of public scrutiny surrounding the EC, following multiple petitions submitted to former President John Dramani Mahama, calling for the removal of Jean Mensa and her deputies. The petitions have since been forwarded to the Chief Justice for preliminary review.

Source: MyNewsGh.com