Jean Mensa’s leadership has eroded trust in the EC, made it a tool of the NPP — Tony Aidoo 

Former Ghana Ambassador to the Netherlands and National Democratic Congress (NDC) stalwart, Dr. Tony Aidoo, has leveled strong criticism against the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, accusing her of compromising the Commission's neutrality and independence.

Speaking on Joy News’ AM Exclusive on Monday, December 2, Dr. Aidoo expressed dismay at what he called Jean Mensa’s "combative" leadership style, which, he argued, has eroded public trust in the EC and led to perceptions of political bias.

“The EC is supposed to be independent and neutral. Now, nobody trusts the EC. Where is the independence of the EC? Even the EC has officers who everybody knows come from the NPP side,” he stated.

Dr. Aidoo suggested that power in public service should be exercised with restraint and openness to build credibility and trust.

“Jean’s approach to the management of the EC has been too combative. If you have power, you don’t have to use it to show you are powerful. The more power you exercise, the less power you have in reverse,” he said.

He contrasted Jean Mensa’s tenure with that of her predecessor, Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, whom he praised for fostering respect and neutrality despite being accused of political bias.

“Afari-Gyan never had a problem with our political parties, even though they used to say he was a Rawlings man. He wasn’t. If you want a man of integrity, then he is Afari-Gyan,” Dr. Aidoo noted.

Addressing recent controversies, including the reprinting of ballot papers due to errors in Eastern and Western regions, Dr. Aidoo lambasted the Commission's performance.

“The EC has not operated in a way we can say ‘well done. Most of the deputy commissioners are NPP activists,” he said.

Dr. Aidoo urged Jean Mensa and the EC to adopt a more cooperative approach to reassure the public and restore confidence in the electoral process.

“You want people to trust you, so what you need to do is be cooperative. You don’t structure yourself as if nobody can touch you. You are subservient to the constitution, but there are other entities who also have interests,” he concluded.