Odike Calls for Jean Mensa’s Resignation Over Partisanship and Electoral Failures

 

Ghanaian businessman and politician Akwasi Addai Odike has called for the resignation of Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Mrs. Jean Mensa, accusing her of partisanship and poor electoral conduct during her tenure.

Speaking on Ezra TV during a discussion on a petition seeking Mensa’s removal, Odike expressed strong disapproval of the EC's leadership under her guidance. He stated that her actions have severely undermined the credibility of the institution and tarnished Ghana’s democratic process.

According to Odike, Ghana’s electoral leadership has become overly partisan, and he proposed the establishment of an independent electoral college to select future EC chairpersons. He argued that such a system would restore professionalism and integrity to the EC, ensuring it remains free from political influence.

Odike compared the current leadership with that of former EC Chair Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, who, despite facing challenges, maintained a stance of independence and resisted political pressure. He claimed that Jean Mensa and her successors have shown a clear partisan alignment, which he believes has compromised the integrity of the electoral process.

The businessman pointed to the recent presidential election as a key example of Mensa’s failures, accusing her of presenting “six different figures” while serving as the returning officer. He argued that this discrepancy should have led to her immediate resignation.

“If she has shame, she should have resigned by now, together with her deputies and their fraudulent figures,” Odike said. “In such a position, you must uphold the ethics and responsibilities that come with it.”

Odike reiterated his full support for the petitions calling for Mensa’s removal, asserting that her performance had been so poor that she should no longer hold the office of EC Chair.

His comments come at a time when multiple petitions seeking her removal have been submitted to President John Dramani Mahama. The petitions have been forwarded to the Chief Justice for a preliminary review to determine if there is a prima facie case for her removal.

Source: MyNewsGh.com