The Member of Parliament (MP) for Bole Bamboi, Yussif Sulemana, has expressed concern over the extensive security detail provided to Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, stating that such measures wouldn’t be necessary if she fulfilled her duties effectively.
He noted that the level of military protection surrounding Jean Mensa surpasses that of president Akufo-Addo.
Mr Sulemana emphasized that if Jean Mensa performed her responsibilities properly, she would be able to move about freely without requiring heavy security.
Mr Sulemana highlighted that the presence of over 20 military personnel accompanying her is excessive.
He urged Jean Mensa to ensure fairness and transparency in her role to alleviate the need for extensive protection.
“I’m a bit worried for her. I’m worried because I’ve seen her many times with the military protecting her. If she should do the right thing, she would walk freely without even a police officer, so we expect she will do the right thing and she will not go around with military everywhere.
“Today, over 20 military officers accompanied her. That shouldn’t be the case. Even the president doesn’t go around with over 20 military officers. We want her to be able to move freely in this country,” he said.
The MP added, “And the only way you can do that is when you are fair, you are free in terms of ensuring that the processes are right and declare the winner. And we’ll be happy with you.”
In response, Jean Mensa has acknowledged her discomfort with the heavy military presence.
She explained that the security measures are a precaution advised by the nation’s security agencies due to the negative and often unfounded rhetoric directed at her and other commissioners.
She added that the nation’s security agencies believe this level of protection is necessary for her and the other commissioners due to the nature of the criticisms and unfounded claims made against them.
“To be honest with you, it takes away your freedom. You cannot go to the salon; everybody is in your space. You go to the market; everybody is in your space. It is not pleasant at all.
“But, I believe it is the rhetoric that we hear in the media that makes the security agencies feel that maybe they should provide us with this level of security,” she said.
More fire 🔥 💯Hon. Yusif Sulemana Mp for Bole Bamboi told EC Boss Jane MENSAH in her face that she would not need 20 military men to protect her if she performed her duty as expected. Perform your duties well and you will walk freely without needing any security protection. pic.twitter.com/nvvnOM45hG
— Aristotlektv (@aristotledada) July 20, 2024