Jean Mensa-EC is autocratic; Ghanaians deserve better — Ablakwa

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a North Tongu Member of Parliament has criticized the Jean Mensa-led Electoral Commission.

He described the electoral management body as autocratic.

According to Mr. Ablakwa, the limited voter registration exercise is a clear demonstration of her disregard for dissenting views.

He said during a press conference held at “Battor” in his constituency that all opposing parties including civil society groups, the clergy, and all concerned citizens should be vocal in opposing the registration process.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ablakwa launched a “movement plan” to facilitate voter registration for first-time voters in his constituency.

This involved transporting young graduates from high schools to the district electoral office in Battor for registration.

He aimed to register at least 3,000 youths and assist others who had never registered before.

Mr. Ablakwa said although the EC had gone ahead with the limited voter registration exercise despite the legal suit filed by the National Democratic Congress and other political parties, he warned the EC that legal challenges would not deter the opposition, as they had a secret “Plan B.”

The North Tongu MP’s actions were prompted by the constituents’ threats to boycott the registration exercise unless the EC established voting centers closer to them, especially in Juapong and Torgome, where residents faced significant travel costs.

He indicated that issues with network connections in the region compelled some registrants to sleep over at the registration center and continue the registration process the next day.

The District Electoral Officer, Paulina Rolland Agbo acknowledged the network challenges but assured they were being addressed.

During the tour with journalists, Mr Ablakwa described the EC chairperson and her team’s actions as disrespectful to his constituents.