Haruna Iddrisu
The debate over the Electoral Commission’s (EC) performance in the 2024 elections has taken a new turn, with former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu dismissing calls for the resignation of EC Chairperson Jean Mensa.
Iddrisu’s comments come in response to Joyce Bawa Mogtari, an aide to John Dramani Mahama, who had suggested that Jean Mensa should step down due to the Commission’s handling of the elections.
Joyce Mogtari’s comments were not unexpected, given the National Democratic Congress (NDC) history of criticizing the EC.
Prior to the elections, the NDC had accused the EC of bias and incompetence, with some of its leaders calling for the removal of Mensa and her deputies.
The NDC’s attacks on the EC had been relentless, with the party questioning the Commission’s ability to conduct free and fair elections.
However, the EC had consistently maintained its independence and impartiality, with Jean Mensa and her team working tirelessly to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Despite the challenges faced by the Commission, including issues with biometric verification devices and the recall and reprinting of ballot papers, the EC had persevered and delivered a credible election.
Against this backdrop, Iddrisu’s defense of Jean Mensa was significant. Speaking in an interview with TV3, Iddrisu argued that there was no valid reason for Jean Mensa to resign, unless she had been found guilty of misconduct or procurement-related violations.
He pointed out that the role of the EC Chairperson did not influence who became the leader of the country, and that Ghanaians ultimately decided their leaders through elections.
Haruna Iddrisu’s comments were a clear rebuke to Joyce Mogtari and the NDC, who had been pushing for Mensa’s removal.
He emphasized that the focus should be on ensuring that the democratic process was respected, rather than fixating on the person who led the Electoral Commission. “Why will you change the chairperson of the Electoral Commission? These are not matters that are of primary concern to President Mahama. I beg you, no. Where Jean Mensa is, she does not determine who rules Ghana. Ghanaians determine who rules Ghana,” Iddrisu said.
Joyce Mogtari had argued that Jean Mensa’s resignation was necessary to restore public trust in the EC, which had been damaged by the Commission’s performance in the elections.
However, Haruna Iddrisu’s response suggested that the NDC’s attacks on the EC were motivated by political considerations, rather than a genuine desire to improve the electoral process.
-BY Daniel Bampoe