Joyce Bawah Mogtari, special aide to Ghana’s President-elect John Dramani Mahama, has called for the resignation of Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), following what she described as incompetence and partisanship in managing the recently concluded elections.
Speaking on Face to Face on Channel One TV on December 10, Mogtari criticised the EC’s conduct, emphasizing the delays in announcing election results and alleged bias as critical failures that undermined public trust.
“It Should Be Finished for Her”
Expressing her dismay at the EC’s performance, Mogtari stated, “I was thinking that the EC Chairperson was going to resign yesterday. Yes, absolutely… They have been incompetent to say the least. There are too many partisans there. The arm twisting. When the will of the people is up against you, there is nothing you can do.”
She referenced Jean Mensa’s own words, “It is finished,” from a previous statement and remarked, “In her place, I would have resigned. Like she said it is finished, it should be finished for her as well.”
Delayed Results and Violence
Mogtari linked the delay in declaring the election results to incidents of violence across the country, attributing the unrest to public frustration over the extended wait.
“One of the reasons we have these pockets of violence is that it took too long for the EC to declare the result,” she stated, urging for immediate reforms.
Calls for Electoral Reforms
The special aide emphasized the necessity for comprehensive reforms within the Electoral Commission to restore public trust and ensure future elections are conducted with integrity.
“Everything to do with the EC needs a complete reform,” Mogtari stressed, underscoring the importance of addressing structural issues within the Commission to avoid future controversies.
A Challenge to Leadership
As the electoral fallout continues to spark debates, Mogtari’s comments add to growing calls for accountability and transparency in Ghana’s electoral process, highlighting the need for leadership that prioritizes fairness and public confidence.
