Petition for the Removal of Jean Adukwei Mensa and Her Deputies from the Electoral Commission

Dear President Mahama,

We, the undersigned, write to express our grave concerns regarding the performance and conduct of Jean Adukwei Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), and her two deputies. Their tenure has been marked by a series of unprofessional actions, lack of transparency, and accountability, which have significantly undermined the integrity of our electoral process.

Grounds for Removal

1. Lack of Transparency and Accountability: The EC under Jean Adukwei Mensa's leadership has been plagued by numerous instances of malfeasance, including the mismanagement of election results and issues surrounding missing equipment. These actions have eroded public trust in the electoral process.

2. Inability to Declare Election Results on Time: The EC's failure to declare election results promptly has led to widespread confusion and unrest. This delay is unprecedented and unacceptable in a democratic society.

3. Election-Related Violence: During the tenure of Jean Adukwei Mensa and her deputies, Ghana recorded deaths during elections, a tragic first in our nation's history. This is a clear indication of their inability to manage the electoral process effectively and ensure the safety of citizens.

4. Delays and Infractions of CI 127: The December 7, 2024 elections were marred by several infractions of CI 127, resulting in multiple collections and instances of violence. As of January 21, 2025, there are still undeclared results, further highlighting the EC's inefficiency and lack of preparedness. These delays have caused significant unrest and uncertainty among the electorate, undermining the credibility of the electoral process.

Legal Basis for Removal

According to Article 146 of the Constitution of Ghana, the President, upon receiving a petition for the removal of a public officer, must forward it to the Chief Justice for determination of a prima facie case. If a prima facie case is established, a committee is set up to investigate the matter and make recommendations for removal.

Comparative Analysis

Internationally, electoral commissions are held to high standards of transparency and accountability. For instance, the Indian Election Commission operates under strict guidelines to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. Similarly, the removal of election officials in other democracies is based on clear evidence of misconduct and failure to uphold their duties.

Recommendations

We respectfully request the following actions:

1. Immediate Investigation: Initiate an independent investigation into the conduct of Jean Adukwei Mensa and her deputies to determine the extent of their malfeasance and incompetence.

2. Solicitation of Signatures: We recommend soliciting signatures from concerned citizens to strengthen this petition and demonstrate widespread public support for their removal.

3. Appointment of Competent Officials: Ensure that future appointments to the EC are based on merit, transparency, and a proven track record of integrity and professionalism.

We believe that these measures are necessary to restore public confidence in the Electoral Commission and uphold the principles of democracy in Ghana.

Sincerely,

Atitso C. Akpalu

Retired Senior Citizen

For and on behalf of all Senior Citizen of the Republic of Ghana