TIG Post

Tag: Jean Mensa

  • 2024 election is proof that polls are won or lost at the polling station – Jean Mensa

    2024 election is proof that polls are won or lost at the polling station – Jean Mensa

    Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, has emphasized that the results of the December 7 general elections reinforce the principle that elections are ultimately decided at the polling stations.

    In a decisive victory, National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Dramani Mahama secured the presidency with a significant margin, defeating his closest rival, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party, by approximately 1.7 million votes.

    Addressing the political party representatives during the first Inter-party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting after the December 7 elections, Jean Mensa said, “The outcomes are indeed an attestation that elections in Ghana are free, fair, credible, and transparent. It is a confirmation that elections are indeed won or lost at the polling station, and therefore it is important for political parties to also own what happens at the polling stations. It is also a confirmation that the Electoral Commission of Ghana can be trusted to conduct and undertake free, fair, transparent, and credible elections year after year.”

    Jean Mensa reaffirmed the Electoral Commission’s commitment to upholding the democratic rights of all Ghanaians by ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections. She emphasized that the commission, as an independent constitutional body, is dedicated to protecting the sovereign will of the people through the ballot. She further stressed that the commission has no vested interest in influencing election outcomes in favor of any political party but remains focused on reflecting the true choice of the electorate.

    “It is also an affirmation that the choice of the people and the citizens as expressed at the polls is what the Electoral Commission of Ghana will always support and declare.”

    “As a commission, we have always maintained that our role is not to make any candidate or political party a winner. This is a message that we have reiterated time and time again, and it was not lost on us any time we had our meetings with our staff, both permanent and temporary, as well as our meetings with key stakeholders.”

  • We did not receive any invitation to attend swearing-in ceremonies – Jean Mensa 

    We did not receive any invitation to attend swearing-in ceremonies – Jean Mensa 

    Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, has clarified that neither she nor her deputies attended President John Dramani Mahama’s swearing-in ceremony because they were not formally invited.

    Addressing an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting on Wednesday, February 26, she stated that it is not customary for the commission’s leadership to attend such events unless officially invited.

    “I was in the country, but as a policy, the chairperson, deputies, and other commission members do not attend swearing-in ceremonies unless officially invited. We did not receive any invitation,” she explained.

    Her remarks were in response to inquiries about her absence at President Mahama’s inauguration on January 7, as well as other ministerial swearing-ins.

    Jean Mensa further emphasized that the EC has never been a standard fixture at such ceremonies, noting, “I know dignitaries and special guests are usually invited, but for as long as we have been in office, the commission has never attended any swearing-in ceremony.”

    Her clarification comes amid public discussions about the commission’s role in post-election proceedings and official state functions.

  • Jean Mensa explains why EC officials missed Mahama’s swearing-in

    Jean Mensa explains why EC officials missed Mahama’s swearing-in

    Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Jean Mensa has addressed concerns regarding her absence from President John Dramani Mahama’s inauguration, stating that EC officials do not typically attend swearing-in ceremonies unless they receive an official invitation.

    During an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting on Wednesday, February 26, she clarified that neither she nor her deputies were invited to the event, nor to any ministerial inaugurations.

    Her remarks come amid public speculation over why she was not present at the ceremony, which took place on January 7, 2025, at Black Star Square in Accra. The event marked the start of Mahama’s second term and was attended by dignitaries, political figures, and the general public.

    The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, formally reaffirming Mahama’s commitment to leading the nation in accordance with the Constitution.

    Addressing the matter, Jean Mensa stated: “I was here in the country, but per policy, the commission members, chairperson, and deputies don’t attend swearing-ins. Indeed, it is also by invitation, and we have never received an invitation to the swearing-in.

    “I know that dignitaries and special guests are invited. But it has always been a matter of policy that we do not attend swearing-in ceremonies. At least for the duration that we have been in office, we have never attended any swearing-in ceremony,” she explained.

  • Citizen calls for removal Jean Mensa as EC Chair over constitutional violations

    Citizen calls for removal Jean Mensa as EC Chair over constitutional violations

    A concerned citizen, Daniel Ofosu-Appiah, has petitioned President John Mahama to dismiss Jean Mensa from her position as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC).

    Mr. Ofosu-Appiah is also calling for the removal of her two deputies—Samuel Tettey, Dr. Bossman Eric Asare, and Dr. Peter Appiahene—citing their alleged affiliation with the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    He accused the EC commissioners of constitutional violations, incompetence, and bias, claiming their actions have eroded public confidence in the Commission.

    The petitioner highlighted past remarks and actions by Dr. Bossman Asare and Dr. Peter Appiahene, suggesting they have compromised the EC’s neutrality.

    “Dr. Bossman Asare made numerous social media comments on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter before his appointment, displaying overt bias against the opposition party. These statements have raised questions about his impartiality and suitability for the role,” he stated.

    Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Ofosu-Appiah also referenced the exclusion of residents from Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) in the 2020 parliamentary elections.

    As a native of the Volta Region, he argued that the disenfranchisement of these communities was unconstitutional and carried significant political consequences.

    “People will say, ‘Why now?’ but it is better late than never. Someone must do something about it. There is no political motivation. I’m only a concerned citizen,” he stated.

    Mr. Ofosu-Appiah has therefore urged President Mahama to invoke Article 146 of the Constitution to begin the process for their removal.

    “If we don’t do something about it, anybody who is given this position will use it for their own benefits. I hope and believe that the President will send it to the Chief Justice for the right thing to be done,” he added.

    Jean Mensa, who assumed office on July 23, 2018, following the dismissal of her predecessor Charlotte Osei, has since overseen two major elections.

    Meanwhile, Professor Stephen Adei, a former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), has previously advised President Mahama to allow Jean Mensa to continue in her role despite a change in government.

    He argued that strengthening institutions should be a national priority and warned that politically motivated dismissals risk setting a harmful precedent.

  • 2024 presidential election results for 275 out of 276 constituencies out

    2024 presidential election results for 275 out of 276 constituencies out

    The Electoral Commission has released the official results for the 2024 presidential election, covering 275 out of the 276 constituencies. This update includes the total valid votes, rejected ballots, and total votes cast during the election, with one constituency still outstanding.

    The Commission clarified that this release serves as an update to the initial results announced on December 9, 2024, which were based on returns from 267 constituencies. At that time, the EC had noted that the presidential results from nine constituencies were still pending.

    As of the latest update, results from eight of those constituencies have now been included, leaving one constituency’s results still to be accounted for.

    In the 2024 election, National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate John Mahama emerged victorious, securing 6,591,790 votes, representing 56.2% of the total votes. He defeated his closest rival, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who garnered 4,877,611 votes.

    Among the smaller party contenders, Nana Kwame Bediako, popularly known as Cheddar, led with 88,944 votes, amounting to 0.76% of the total votes cast. He represented The New Force movement in the election.

    EC Presidential Collation – 275 of 276 ConstituenciesDownload
  • EC ordered by High Court to complete collation for Tema Central

    EC ordered by High Court to complete collation for Tema Central

    The High Court has directed the Electoral Commission (EC) to complete the collation of the two outstanding polling station results for Tema Central.

    The decision follows a mandamus application filed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which also includes the constituencies of Okaikwei Central, Techiman South, and Ablekuma North.

    The court’s ruling came after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) challenged the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case, but their objection was dismissed.

    NPP’s legal team, led by Gary Nimako, argued that the EC should be compelled to finalize the collation process in the affected constituencies, highlighting that the EC failed to complete the collation between December 8, 2024, and January 1, 2025.

    Initially, Ebi Bright of the NDC was declared the winner in Tema Central. However, after a re-collation conducted by the EC, Charles Forson of the NPP was declared the winner. The EC cited threats to its staff in Tema Central as a factor contributing to the delay.

    The court further directed the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akufo-Dampare, to ensure adequate security for the completion of the collation process without disruptions.

  • Re-collation of results following declaration is a standard practice – EC

    Re-collation of results following declaration is a standard practice – EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has explained its decision to re-collate results in nine constituencies after they were initially announced, asserting that such actions are not uncommon in the country’s electoral history.

    Through a tweet, the EC cited examples from past elections where re-collation led to adjustments in declared results, stressing the importance of ensuring both fairness and accuracy in the electoral process.

    “Re-collation after the declaration of results is not new. It has happened before,” the EC stated, listing notable instances:

    1998: In the district-level elections for the Dompose Kokwaado Electoral Area in the KEEA District, the EC, led by Dr. Afari Gyan, reversed a previous result and announced the rightful winner.

    2004: With Dr. Afari Gyan at the helm, the EC revised the parliamentary results in the Pru Constituency, annulling the original outcome that favoured the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, who was later declared the legitimate winner over the New Patriotic Party (NPP) contender.

    2004: The results for the Tolon Constituency were revised, and the rightful winner was ultimately announced.

    2004: In the Yapei-Kusawgu Constituency, a re-collation was conducted, which led to the declaration of the legitimate winner.

    2005: A similar process was carried out in the Zabzugu Constituency, where a re-collation confirmed the true winner.

    EC’s decision to re-collate the results from nine constituencies has sparked debate, with critics raising concerns about its timing and potential impact.

    Despite this, the Commission maintains that the re-collation is crucial for safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and upholding its mandate to conduct transparent and credible elections.

    In its statement, the EC emphasized its commitment to ensuring accuracy, even in the face of public scrutiny, asserting that the re-collation serves as a necessary corrective measure to address any discrepancies and ensure the results accurately represent the will of the people.

  • Police advised us to stop recount at Police Training School – EC Chair

    Police advised us to stop recount at Police Training School – EC Chair

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has provided further details regarding its decision to move the collation centres for 12 constituencies to the National Police Training School (NPTS).

    According to the EC, this action followed recommendations from the Ghana Police Service to safeguard the safety of its personnel and preserve the integrity of the electoral process amid growing threats and disruptions.

    In a press briefing on Thursday, December 19, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa highlighted that constituencies like Ablekuma North and Okaikwei Central were particularly affected by this decision.

    She emphasized that relocating the collation centres to the EC’s Greater Accra Regional Office was crucial in ensuring the security of staff and preventing any potential interference in the election process.

    Jean Mensa further explained that in order to maintain transparency, the EC had informed all political parties about the relocation and issued specific guidelines on how they could be represented at the new collation centres.

    However, she noted that these guidelines were not adhered to, which ultimately led to the suspension of the process.

    “In a number of instances, our staff have been threatened with death and forced to declare outcomes without adhering to the processes governing collation. It is instructive to note that the EC has held discussions with the Ghana Police Service and had requested protection in areas where collations were supposed to have continued but some of our staff were still threatened.

    “Due to the threats faced by our staff and the disruption of the processes, the EC agreed with the Ghana Police Service to relocate the collation centres from the Ablekuma North and Okaikwei Central constituencies to the EC’s Greater Accra Regional Office, and it was agreed that each political party will present two agents, and the political parties were notified accordingly,” she added.

  • Next EC Chair must undergo parliamentary vetting process – Joyce Bawah

    Next EC Chair must undergo parliamentary vetting process – Joyce Bawah

    Joyce Bawah Mogtari, special aide to President-elect John Dramani Mahama, has advocated for the Electoral Commission (EC) chair position to be publicly advertised and subjected to a parliamentary vetting process.

    She expressed deep concerns over the Electoral Commission’s management of the 2024 elections, citing widespread incompetence and signs of partisan bias in its operations.

    The lead-up to the election was marred by multiple irregularities, such as problems with biometric verification devices and the need to recall and reprint ballots due to a leak of the original designs.

    These issues undermined public confidence in the EC, with many criticizing its performance as inadequate.

    In an interview with GHOne TV, Mogtari proposed that a transparent, parliamentary appointment process for the EC chair could restore professionalism and impartiality to the body.

    She stressed the urgency of reforming the Commission to regain credibility and public trust for future elections.

    Joyce Bawah Mogtari also expressed surprise that Jean Mensa, the EC Chairperson, had not stepped down following the election’s conclusion, considering the challenges faced by the Commission.

    She said, “I would have thought that she [Jean Mensa] would resign after the declaration. I don’t understand. But genuinely, considering the performance of the current Electoral Commission, what do you expect? From a very professional standpoint, if we genuinely want to move forward and start a new chapter with an independent EC, as the Constitution intended, let’s advertise the position, vet the candidates, and have Parliament handle the process. This will help remove the partisan outlook of the EC.”

  • Resign for sloppy job done during 2024 polls – Joyce Bawah Mogtari to Jean Mensa

    Resign for sloppy job done during 2024 polls – Joyce Bawah Mogtari to Jean Mensa

    Joyce Bawah Mogtari, spokesperson for John Dramani Mahama, has requested that the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, to resign from her position.

    In a conversation with Channel One Television, Mogtari expressed disappointment that Mensa had not resigned following the conclusion of the 2024 general elections.

    She condemned the leadership of the Electoral Commission, accusing Mensa of partisanship, compromising integrity, and fostering a lack of credibility.

    “I was thinking that the EC chairperson was going to resign yesterday. Look, my brother, they’ve been incompetent, to say the least. There’s been too many partisans there, the arm twisting. When the will of the people is up against you, there is nothing you can do.

    “One of the reasons we have these pockets of violence is because it took too long for the EC to declare the results. They counted the presidential, and by the time we all went to bed, we knew, the main vanquish had actually thrown in the towel. What were they [EC] waiting for?

    “Look at the cost of the ballot sheets that have been destroyed, burnt because of mistakes; elementary mistakes. Thank God for our technical team, they did a yeoman’s job to put the EC in check,” she stated.

    When asked whether the Electoral Commission Chairperson should step down, Joyce Bawah Mogtari answered affirmatively, reiterating her call for Jean Mensa’s resignation.

    “I think that she should have. In her place, I would have [resigned]. Like she said, it is finished. It should be finished for her [Jean] as well,” she said.

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) secured a decisive victory in the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.

    Joyce Bawah Mogtari voiced her expectation that reforms at the Electoral Commission, including the removal of the chairperson, will be a key focus in the constitutional amendments that the incoming government plans to implement.

    “If there were elementary breaches, then she has no business being there, if you ask me. I personally think, from a very professional perspective, that everything to do with the EC needs a complete reform and hopefully it will form part of the constitutional amendment process John Mahama will undertake.

    “We ought to reset the EC and delete all the partisans who are in there. And she [Jean] herself has displayed enormous prejudice and bias towards the NDC. She should go, and I think she ought to respect herself and leave,” she added.

  • EC to declare presidential results with current data if outcome remains unchanged

    EC to declare presidential results with current data if outcome remains unchanged

    The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Adukwei Mensa, has announced that the Commission will proceed with declaring the 2024 presidential election results using current available data if delays in certain constituencies do not affect the overall outcome.

    Addressing concerns over delays, Jean Mensa disclosed the Commission’s approach to ensure timely declaration of results.

    “Where results from a constituency are delayed, and it is evident that it will not impact the outcome of the presidential election, we will proceed to declare the results.

    “This decision ensures we do not waste time unnecessarily while maintaining the integrity of the process,” she added.

    Speaking on Sunday, December 8, Jean Mensa attributed the delays to disruptions caused by attacks on EC officers and the destruction of election logistics. She appealed to political party supporters to refrain from interfering with the collation process.

    “Some supporters, in their anxiety and excitement, have besieged collation centres, obstructing our officers and, in some cases, destroying essential equipment,” she revealed.

    “This has significantly slowed down the collation process at various levels.”

    Jean Mensa explained that the collation process is intricate and involves multiple stakeholders, including party agents, observers, and the media, at every stage—from polling stations to the national collation centre.

    “Any disruption not only causes delays but also undermines the transparency of the process,” she said.

    The EC Chair stressed the need for a safe and orderly environment to ensure the collation process runs smoothly.

    “Our officers need unhindered access and a safe environment to work. We have communicated directly with the leadership of political parties to recall their supporters from these centres,” she stated, emphasizing the need for collaboration to maintain peace.

    Reassuring Ghanaians of the Commission’s commitment to fairness, Jean Mensa said:

    “We have walked the path of transparency and accountability throughout this electoral process. The results we declare will reflect the will of the people as captured at the polls.”

    Her comments come amid growing public frustration and rising tensions following reports of attacks at collation centres.

    She called on all citizens to exercise patience and allow the Commission to carry out its duties effectively.

    “Let us protect the peace and democracy that Ghana is known for,” she urged.

  • Probe video of voters register in white pick-up truck – EC to Police

    Probe video of voters register in white pick-up truck – EC to Police

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has called on the Ghana Police Service to investigate a video circulating on social media that shows a supposed copy of the Voters Register for Ahafo Ano 1 and 2 being transported in a white pick-up truck.

    The Commission has discredited the video, describing it as misleading and calculated to undermine public trust in its work.

    In a statement issued on December 3, the EC clarified that the Voters Register shown in the video is not authentic.

    “The Voters Register shown in the video is not that of the EC. The Commission’s registers are black and white and not coloured as shown in the video,” the EC noted.

    https://twitter.com/_AlbertAkwesi/status/1863881924130820389

    The Commission emphasized that while it provides the final Voters Register to political parties, these parties are responsible for printing their own copies for their agents, which may explain the appearance of the document in question.

    “It is important to note that the Commission provides the Final Register to the Political Parties. As has been the practice, the Political Parties also print the Final Register for their Agents. Additionally, it is instructive to note that the truck in the video does not belong to the Commission,” the statement read.

    The EC urged the public to disregard the video, asserting that it was “calculated to create suspicion and mistrust for the Commission and its work.”

    The Commission also called on the Police to investigate the matter thoroughly, particularly focusing on the registration number of the pick-up truck visible in the video, which could provide a lead in the investigation.

    “We urge the Police to investigate this matter. The registration number of the pick-up truck, which is visible in the video, should be able to assist the Police in their investigations,” the EC added.

    The EC reassured the public of its commitment to upholding transparency and credibility in all electoral processes as the nation approaches the December 7 general elections.

  • Discrepancies identified in presidential ballot serial numbers in Bono Region

    Discrepancies identified in presidential ballot serial numbers in Bono Region

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has uncovered discrepancies in the serial numbers on presidential ballot papers for the Berekum West and Berekum East constituencies in the Bono Region.

    In Berekum West, seven out of 100 booklets and one out of 25 booklets were found to have serial numbers on the ballots that differ from those on the counterfoils. Meanwhile, in Berekum East, inconsistencies and duplications of serial numbers were detected. These include three out of 100 booklets, one out of 50 booklets, one out of 25 booklets with non-sequential serial numbers, and two out of 10 booklets that share identical serial numbers.

    The EC has announced that the affected ballot papers will be submitted to the Ghana Publishing Company (Assembly Press) for reprinting. To ensure transparency, political parties and independent presidential candidates have been invited to send two representatives each to observe the reprinting process.

    The reprinting will take place on Friday, November 29, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the premises of the Ghana Publishing Company in Accra.

    This discovery has raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, with the EC reiterating its commitment to addressing the issue to maintain public trust ahead of the December polls.

  • Special voting exercise will be peaceful, credible and transparent – EC

    Special voting exercise will be peaceful, credible and transparent – EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has expressed its readiness to conduct the special voting exercise slated for Monday, December 2, ahead of the December 7 polls.

    The exercise taking place in 328 special voting centres is exclusive to members of the security agencies, media, and electoral officials who have applied and been processed to cast their ballot.

    In an engagement with the National Security Task Force, led by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, said: “We are confident that we will have a successful special voting arrangements on Monday. We have adequate supply of ballot papers, indelible ink and the various forms that may be necessary, and the biometric verification devices are in place for a smooth and seamless special voting exercise.”

    “We stand in readiness. We are ready to conduct a peaceful, credible, transparent and fair elections on December 2 and December 7,” Jean Mensa added.

    The individuals who have registered can verify their participation on the website of the Commission, Jean Mensa stated. However, the special voter list on the EC’s website is inaccessible, per checks by The Independent Ghana.

    Reacting to safety concerns, Dr Dampare, on behalf of the National Election Task Force, indicated that the security officers will work with the Commission to have a successful exercise.

    “We are clear in our minds on all the issues that you need and want us to address so that that aspect will be successful. We will work wit you and your technical team to firm up,” the IGP said.

    A little over 900,00 new voters have been added to the voter register ahead of the polls. The finalised voter register has been disseminated to the various political parties, according to the Commission.

    Ballot papers for most regions and all registers have already been dispatched to the 16 regions, except for the Northern, Bono, and Bono East Regions. The ballot papers for the afformentioned regions are in the custody of the security services via the police armories.

    The EC will use aid memoirs—that will be pasted at vantage points—polling stations, polling centres, during the election to assist electorates on correction of forms and other grey areas.

    On security issues, Dr Dampare assured Ghanaians of a peaceful election process. He stressed that “we’ll do all it takes to ensure that this country continues to be at peace with itself. We will protect every Ghanaian, and we will protect every stakeholder in this election.”

  • 20 polling stations to receive extra ballots for 2024 elections – EC

    20 polling stations to receive extra ballots for 2024 elections – EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that 20 polling stations will receive additional ballot papers for the 2024 elections.

    This decision is intended to enhance ballot distribution and ensure that all voters have access during the election process.

    According to a press release on Monday, October 28, this change follows thorough reviews by District Registration Review Officers (DRROs) and rulings by the High Courts aimed at resolving discrepancies in voter registration.

    The adjustments stem from insights gained during the re-exhibition of the 2024 Provisional Voters Register.

    This exercise allowed citizens and political parties to verify voter information and pinpoint potential errors.

    The EC emphasized that these revisions reflect its commitment to transparency and collaboration in refining the electoral process.

    “The Electoral Commission announces for the information of the General Public that, following the implementation of the decisions of the District Registration Review Officers (DRROs) and the High Courts as well as the revisions made after the Re-Exhibition of the Provisional Voters Register, there have been slight revisions to the 2024 Ballot Statistics submitted to the Political Parties and the Printing Firms.

    “The Polling Stations for which printing of additional ballot booklets is required sum up to twenty (20). The schedule of affected Polling Stations is attached for the information of the General Public.”

    “The revised ballot statistics including the affected Polling Stations have been given to the Political Parties, Independent Presidential Candidates and Printing Firms. The General Public is to take note accordingly,” the EC’s statement added.

  • Trust us to carry out our responsibilities fairly and transparently – Jean Mensa

    Trust us to carry out our responsibilities fairly and transparently – Jean Mensa

    The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, has declined the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) demand for a forensic audit of the provisional voter’s register for 2024.

    At an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, she reaffirmed the EC’s dedication to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

    Mrs. Mensa referenced the Commission’s constitutional mandate under Article 45(a) of the 1992 Constitution, which grants the EC the responsibility to oversee and manage all facets of elections in Ghana.

    “We have a long-standing record of delivering credible elections, and I urge stakeholders to trust us to carry out our responsibilities fairly and transparently,” she stated.

    The NDC’s request for a forensic audit arose from worries about purported inconsistencies in the provisional voter’s register.

    In her reply, Mrs. Mensa emphasized that the EC has strong systems in place to verify the register’s accuracy, which is currently being updated through established procedures, including online re-exhibition.

    “As a body mandated by Article 45(a) of the 1992 Constitution to compile the register of voters and to revise it as such periods as determined by law, we urge you all to trust us to perform our functions as enshrined in the constitution,” Mrs. Mensa reiterated.

    She also reassured political parties and the public of the EC’s commitment to a transparent and inclusive electoral process, encouraging input and collaboration from all stakeholders as the country prepares for the 2024 general elections.

    “The Commission has a track record and is globally respected for delivering free, fair, credible, and transparent elections and electoral processes, including the compilation of the provisional voter’s register,” she added.

    Mrs. Mensa also expressed confidence in the capabilities of the EC staff.

    “Our staff are well-trained and have the capacity and competencies to undertake the task of producing the final and credible voter’s register. We certainly do not require external assistance in our line of work,” she added.

  • Stop pestering Jean Mensa, allow her to work – Akua Donkor to NDC

    Stop pestering Jean Mensa, allow her to work – Akua Donkor to NDC

    The Founder and Leader of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Maame Akua Donkor, has criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for its persistent attacks on Electoral Commission chairperson Jean Mensa.

    She emphasized that Jean Mensa has been diligently working to ensure a credible voter registration process for the upcoming 2024 general elections. Despite this, the NDC continues to level unfounded accusations against her.

    In a strong warning, Akua Donkor urged NDC members and leaders to refrain from targeting Jean Mensa and instead concentrate on the electoral process, labeling their claims as baseless.

    Her remarks came during the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting held on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

    “I’m grateful to God that since she [Jean Mensa] became the EC, the NDC has worried her a lot, including taking her to court over the voter register, but they were disgraced. The EC also conducted the exhibition voter registration and presented a credible register, yet they are still pestering her. Don’t you know God brought the EC? So no matter what you do, it won’t succeed.

    “I pray she stands the pressure and goes through successfully. The worrying and lying about the EC should cease and allow her to work. You have raised guns and knives to engage in violent acts, yet the NPP did not even take much action against you,” she fumed.

    In response to the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) strong criticisms, the Electoral Commission (EC) has denied allegations that it has not addressed discrepancies in the voter register or responded to the party’s concerns.

    The NDC has been vocal in its accusations against the EC, claiming negligence in rectifying issues with the voter register. However, the EC argues that these claims are merely a political tactic aimed at diverting attention from other matters.

  • 700K new voters added to provisional list for 2024 elections

    700K new voters added to provisional list for 2024 elections

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has reported that 18,772,795 valid voters are expected to participate in the upcoming December general elections, with 9,082,622 males and 9,690,173 females.

    The latest data also highlights the addition of 708,282 new voters to the electoral roll, alongside 332,110 transferred voters, 2,167 proxy voters, 32,974 on the exceptions list, and 26,798 on the multiples list.

    During an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting in Accra on October 1, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa addressed concerns regarding the voter register.

    She assured that most of the errors have been resolved, although the register remains provisional. Mensa emphasized that while imperfections are common in such processes, the EC is committed to rectifying them.

  • All candidates were given enough chance to rectify their mistakes – EC

    All candidates were given enough chance to rectify their mistakes – EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that it provided extra time for candidates to correct errors in their nomination forms.

    EC chairperson Jean Mensa noted that while some candidates utilized this opportunity, others resubmitted forms with the same mistakes.

    She emphasized that the commission has maintained fairness and transparency throughout the process.

    “As in 2020 , the presidential candidate were given a five day period for the filing process. This allowed enough time for aspirants to correct any errors identified in their forms. All in all these eliminates the confusion and tension that characterise previous nomination processes prior to 2020,” she said on Friday.

    On September 20, the EC released a list of 13 candidates who successfully navigated the nomination process out of 24 submissions.

    Mensa explained that these selections followed a comprehensive vetting procedure, with approved candidates representing various political affiliations, including major parties and independent contenders.

    However, some disqualified candidates, including Bernard Mornah, are considering legal action against their disqualification.

    The EC also announced that nomination fees for those disqualified will be refunded.

  • 5 laptops cannot be found but it won’t affect election success – Jean Mensa

    5 laptops cannot be found but it won’t affect election success – Jean Mensa

    Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), has acknowledged the theft of five laptops from the Commission’s offices.

    She reassured that this incident does not affect the voter registration or election process.

    Ms. Mensa made these remarks during her appearance in Parliament on Friday, July 19, 2024.

    She stressed that the stolen laptops do not compromise the integrity or functionality of the voter registration system.

    “The missing laptops have no bearing on the registration or election,” Jean Mensa stated.

    She further clarified that the stolen laptops need unique keys for activation, making them harmless and non-threatening on their own.

    “There are certain security processes that a BVD or a BVR has to go through to be connected to our systems. And so on its own, it cannot be used to register anybody,” she added.

    She emphasized the EC’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the electoral process’s security and integrity.

    “We have taken steps to beef up our security in those places to ensure such thefts will not happen again.”

    The Chairperson also promised that the EC will uphold transparency throughout the December elections.

    “From the registration to the declaration, our processes are embedded with one key ingredient, and that is transparency, transparency, transparency. As such we will continue to operate in the spirit of transparency, fairness and integrity as embedded in our motto,” she assured.

    She stressed that every essential measure is being enacted to maintain the integrity of the election process.

  • EC won’t manipulate 2024 elections to favour any party – Jean Mensa

    EC won’t manipulate 2024 elections to favour any party – Jean Mensa

    Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana, Jean Mensa, has reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that the December 2024 elections accurately reflect the will of the people, emphasizing that there will be no rigging to favor any political party.

    In a recent briefing to Parliament, Mrs Mensa outlined the EC’s processes for securing election integrity.

    She detailed that the electoral body employs a manual system for result transmission, where results are transferred from polling stations across the country to the EC headquarters in Accra.

    According to Mrs Mensa, each polling station has its own set of results, which are also duplicated for the respective party agents present. This system, she explained, makes any tampering or alteration at the central level nearly impossible.

    “I would like to assure you that whatever comes from the ground, from the polling stations where all the agents of the parties are present, goes to the constituency collation centers where the agents are also present,” Mensa said.

    “A tabulation is done in their presence and then it goes to the regional collation centers, followed by the national level. It is not transmitted electronically; rather, it involves hard copies of documents.”

    She emphasized that the results, known as pink sheets, are scanned and sent via fax and email, ensuring that parties have access to their copies in real-time to verify the results.

    “So I would like to assure you that there is absolutely no way the commission can change anything at the top because the documentation comes directly from the ground and the parties have copies,” Mensa added.

    Mrs Mensa also stressed the EC’s dedication to transparency throughout the election process, stating that from registration to result declaration, the Commission will operate with the utmost transparency, fairness, and integrity.

    “From the registration to the declaration, our processes are embedded with one key ingredient: transparency. We will continue to uphold transparency, fairness, and integrity as our guiding principles,” she concluded.

  • You all cannot win, accept 2024 election results in good faith – EC to candidates

    You all cannot win, accept 2024 election results in good faith – EC to candidates

    Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, has emphasized the importance of political parties accepting the results of the 2024 general elections.

    During the presentation of the Democracy Cup to the EC by Parliament’s leadership in Accra, Jean Mensa assured transparency in the electoral process and called on political leaders to respect the election outcomes.

    “Just like the football match we serve as the midwives that birth the elections, we are the referees that conduct, that lay the elections and the processes that lead to the election day itself.

    “So as referees we are committed to ensuring that our activities from now in the lead up to the election and all our electoral processes are transparent, they are open, they are fair, and they involve the collaboration of our key stakeholders, that is, the political parties and the citizenry.”

    “We commit to ensuring transparency in all aspects of our work…We will commit to maintaining and showing that level of transparency across all aspects of our work.

    “So, we also want to entreat and call upon the contestants of the election to accept the outcomes of the election. Surely there will be a winner and surely there will be losers,” she stated.

    Ebenezer Djietror, Deputy Clerk of Parliament overseeing Corporate and Financial Management Services, underscored the importance of peace and security during the 2024 general elections.

  • Having NDC back to IPAC has been favorable – Jean Mensa

    Having NDC back to IPAC has been favorable – Jean Mensa

    Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, has hailed the return of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), describing it as highly beneficial. She noted that the NDC’s re-engagement has brought valuable insights that have contributed to enhancing Ghana’s electoral processes.

    The NDC had boycotted IPAC meetings since March 2020 due to concerns over the Electoral Commission’s stance.

    Madam Mensa expressed satisfaction with their return, highlighting the NDC’s significant role as the main opposition and a pivotal stakeholder in Ghana’s political landscape.

    In an interview with JoyNews on June 26, she remarked, “They are the main opposition and they constitute a formidable force. It is a great benefit to all of us that they have returned to IPAC.”

    She further explained that since their return, the NDC has provided constructive feedback that the EC has incorporated into managing recent registration exercises.

    “The discussions have been going on very well. They have been very constructive. It has been valuable feedback that has come from the NDC as well as some of the other parties… so for the just-ended registration exercise there was valuable feedback that the NDC brought on board and we have considered quite a number of ideas and the suggestions and we have taken them on board so we continue to engage in a constructive way”.

    Previously, on April 21, 2021, the NDC had declined an invitation to an IPAC meeting, citing perceived bias and lack of transparency during the 2020 elections.

    Despite subsequent Supreme Court rulings, the NDC maintained reservations about the election’s integrity, although they publicly committed to rejoining IPAC in December 2023.

    Since their return in January 2024, the NDC has actively participated in IPAC meetings, marking a renewed phase of collaborative engagement with the Electoral Commission.

  • NPP will fail you if you vote for them – Jane Naana to Ghanaians

    NPP will fail you if you vote for them – Jane Naana to Ghanaians

    The running mate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has cautioned Ghanaians about the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 slogan, “It is possible,” alleging that the ruling party would not fulfill its promises.

    During a meeting with female media professionals in Accra, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang criticized the NPP’s track record, citing recent events as proof of their inability to meet their commitments.

    She specifically mentioned the protest by pensioner bondholders at the Finance Ministry demanding their funds.

    She urged Ghanaians to carefully scrutinize the NPP’s pledges and assess their actual delivery when deciding how to vote.

    “At a time of different haircuts, and at a time old people picketing at the ministry of finance…at that time they also thought that none of this will happen, they didn’t even imagine that it is possible. But that has been possible, so when you hear about it is possible, think about it. It is possible to picket at the Ministry of Finance, it’s possible to have a different style or haircut,” she said.

    She firmly rejected criticisms suggesting that the NDC lacks the vision and ideas necessary for effective governance if elected.

    “When we say it is a people’s manifesto, we mean it, I keep saying that you can just shut a couple of us in a room for a couple of weeks and we can draft one for you nicely. But for who are you doing the manifesto for? Does it include journalists? Yes, it includes journalists of many areas of focus.

    “But what about the women? What is worrying them that we have to know? And if you don’t talk to them as a group, how will you know? It’s not that you lack ideas, no, those are childish. We’re a serious party. That is why we’re engaging all of you,” he said.

  • EC to propose new bill making Ghana Card the only ID for voter registration

    EC to propose new bill making Ghana Card the only ID for voter registration

    The Electoral Commission (EC) is now set to present a bill in Parliament to make the Ghana national identification card, commonly known as the Ghana Card, the sole document for citizenship identification in voter registration.

    On Wednesday, the EC Chairperson, Mrs. Jean Mensa, informed Graphic Online that the Commission has secured full support from all political parties, enabling the necessary legislative process to proceed.

    Mrs. Mensa shared these updates with Graphic Online’s Parliamentary correspondent, Nana Konadu Agyeman, following an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting in Accra on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.

    Mrs. Mensa stated that the EC plans to lay this bill before Parliament in the upcoming session.

    “At the Inter-party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting, the issue of the GhanaCard was discussed extensively and I think the advice was that going forward the EC look at laying the bill that seeks to ensure that the Ghana Card is the sole document for the identification of a citizen,” she said.

    “The EC still holds the view…that the Ghana Card will help to cure the bussing of minors and the infiltration of minors into our voters register”.

  • Exercise caution, certain mistakes are beyond repair – Lecturer tells EC

    Exercise caution, certain mistakes are beyond repair – Lecturer tells EC

    A governance lecturer at Central University, Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah, has advised the Electoral Commission (EC) to exercise caution in their operations, particularly regarding errors in computation and collation of data.

    The Electoral Commission has faced significant criticism for inaccurately tabulating the number of registrants on Days 2 and 3 of the ongoing limited registration exercise.

    However, the EC has issued an apology for these errors, stating,“The Electoral Commission has corrected errors in the previously released daily voter registration numbers. The inaccuracies were in the cumulative totals for days two and three, though the regional numbers were correct. The Upper East’s day three’s total was mistakenly repeated for day four. These have been amended”.

    During a panel discussion on Peace FM’s morning show “Kokrokoo,” Dr. Otchere-Ankrah expressed his dismay at the recurring errors made by the EC.

    He emphasized that while making mistakes is human, it is crucial for the Commission to conduct thorough work to avoid errors that could lead to conflict.

    “Some of the errors you commit are unpardonable…Though you are humans and can make mistakes but there are some mistakes that you do which cannot be understood. You have to be extremely careful!”, the lecturer advised.

  • EC corrects mistakes in voter registration figures

    EC corrects mistakes in voter registration figures

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has corrected errors in its publication of the daily voter registration figures for the ongoing limited voter registration exercise.

    In a press release issued at the end of day four of the exercise, the EC initially reported that 143,014 eligible voters had been registered.

    However, less than 24 hours later, the EC released a follow-up statement acknowledging that there was an error in the figures for day three, specifically for the Upper East region, which had been repeated.

    “The Electoral Commission has noted some mistakes in the daily voter registration figures earlier published. The mistakes appeared in the total registered figures stated for days two and three although the individual regional figures were accurate, while the day three figure for Upper East was repeated for day four. All these have been corrected.”

    The EC, however, added that the errors did not affect its total tabulation and so “at the end of the four days the total number of registered voters remain 143, 014.”

    The voter registration exercise, which began on Tuesday, May 7, aims to register first-time voters and individuals seeking to obtain a voter card. Scheduled to last 21 days, the exercise is set to conclude on May 27, 2024.

    Here is a breakdown of the registration figures by region:

    • Greater Accra: 17,837
    • North East: 3,948
    • Upper East: 6,691
    • Northern: 10,373
    • Bono: 4,900
    • Bono East: 5,118
    • Volta: 7,512
    • Upper West: 5,256
    • Eastern: 14,884
    • Central: 15,434
    • Ahafo: 3,889
    • Ashanti: 25,558
    • Western North: 5,638
    • Oti: 4,206
    • Savannah: 2,989
    • Western: 8,781

    The Electoral Commission (EC) is working towards achieving its registration target before the conclusion of the exercise on May 27, 2024.

  • Indelible ink to be used in 2024 election due to concerns of citizens – EC

    Indelible ink to be used in 2024 election due to concerns of citizens – EC

    The Electoral Commission of Ghana has reversed its earlier decision to abandon the use of indelible ink in the upcoming 2024 general elections.

    Dr. Eric Asare Bossman, the Deputy EC Chairman in charge of Corporate Services, revealed that the Commission has taken into account the diverse concerns surrounding this decision.

    Acknowledging the concerns raised by the public, parliamentarians, political parties, and civil society members, Dr. Bossman emphasized the Commission’s commitment to addressing these issues.

    Speaking in an interview with Joy FM, he stated, “after listening to the discussions, we have heard the concerns of the general public, we have heard the parliamentarians, we have heard the concerns of the NPP and the NDC and civil society members so we have concluded that if by using the ink people will have more trust in the process, why not?”.

    Dr. Bossman clarified that the original intention was to streamline the voting process by eliminating double verification.

    He noted, “Last year we noted that we thought when you look at the procedures in our elections the idea of using the indelible ink is like you are using two layers for verification.

    “The Commission said if Mr. Evans Mensah is coming to vote, then Mr Evans Mensah will be verified electronically for us to know that indeed Mr Mensah has been verified so when you want to go ahead to use the indelible ink then clearly you don’t have confidence in your biometric register so as a result of that we suggested that it will be better if we do away with the ink.”

    The Electoral Commission (EC) also mentioned that its proposal to shift the date of the general elections from December 7 to November may not be implemented this year.

    Dr. Eric Asare Bossman stated that the legislation necessary for this change will soon be presented before Parliament.

  • 3 ‘crazy’ decisions of Jean Mensa-led EC

    3 ‘crazy’ decisions of Jean Mensa-led EC

    Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) under the leadership of Jean Mensa has come under fire for three controversial decisions. 

    The decisions have sparked widespread debate and criticism among political stakeholders and the general public.

    Here are three of them: 

    Sole use of Ghana Card as Voter ID: One of the decisions that has stirred controversy is the EC’s move to adopt the Ghana Card as the sole form of identification for voter registration and verification.

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has made a strong case for the use of the Ghana Card as the sole document for identification for purposes of voter registration.

    Despite various justifications by the Commission including claims that the use of the Ghana Card as the sole document for identification for voter registration will help improve the integrity of the electoral roll and ensure that only eligible Ghanaians are registered to vote, the decision received heavy backlash.

    Critics argued that this decision is likely to disenfranchise citizens who do not possess the Ghana Card, particularly marginalized communities with limited access to the card issuance process.

    The decision was eventually rejected by Parliament. The House unanimously recommended to the commission to include the guarantor system in the Public Elections (Registration of Voters) Regulation, 2023 before it could present it for consideration. 

    Legislators were of the view that unless and until the challenges confronting the issuance of the Ghana Card were dealt with, using the Ghana Card as the only medium of voter registration would negatively impact the electoral roll and thereby deny some otherwise qualified persons from registering to vote.

    Change in election date: Another decision that has raised eyebrows is the sudden alteration of the election date. This was initially triggered by a petition by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church who have called for a review of the election date given the fact that December 7 is a Saturday which is a day of worship for the church.

    The EC has welcomed the petition and has declared its support for the change of the election date. The Commission has made a proposal, calling for the election date to be shifted from December 7, to November 7.

    Many have questioned the need for such a change and have called for greater transparency and accountability from the EC in its decision-making process.

    Abandonment of indelible ink: The EC’s decision to abandon the use of indelible ink during elections has also drawn criticism and skepticism.

    Indelible ink has traditionally been used as a measure to prevent multiple voting and maintain the integrity of the electoral process. However, the Commission in December 2023, revealed its intention to scrap the use of indelible ink in forthcoming elections.

    Justifying their decision, the Commission noted that the biometric identification system flags anyone who attempts multiple registrations and that anyone who has been verified after casting their ballot cannot vote again, hence their decision to scrap the use of indelible ink.

    This decision by the EC has also raised concerns about the effectiveness of alternative measures in ensuring the credibility of elections, with various bodies and persons including the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Global Security for Africa Research and Good Governance (GLOSARGG), Adam Bonaa and others, criticising the move.

    These three decisions by the Jean Mensah-led EC have sparked controversy and debate, with critics questioning the rationale behind these moves and expressing concerns about their potential impact on the credibility and integrity of Ghana’s electoral process. 

    As the country prepares for upcoming elections, calls for transparency, accountability, and adherence to international standards in electoral management have grown louder.

  • Even Satan doesn’t come close to you – Arko Gunn tells Jean Mensa

    Even Satan doesn’t come close to you – Arko Gunn tells Jean Mensa

    The Deputy National Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Arko Gunn, has likened the Electoral Commission (EC) to an entity more threatening than “Satan” himself.

    In an interview with Peace FM, he expressed strong disapproval of the Electoral Commission’s (EC) proposed change in the election date.

     Mr Gunn articulated the NDC’s stance on the proposed shift from December 7 to November for elections, asserting that while the party does not inherently oppose the date change, the timing of the proposal raises concerns.

    He emphasized that the party’s calendar has long been prepared, and as such, they are unwilling to support the EC’s proposition.

    EC is more dangerous than the devil. You want to move elections from December 7 to November we don’t have a problem but this should have done long time. Because the party’s calender is ready as such we won’t support the EC’s proposal. We gave them examples as to why we don’t want to accept their decision.

    The EC has proposed that the general election date be changed from December 7 to November 7.

    The Chairperson of the Commission, Jean Mensa, proposed this adjustment during a meeting with the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) on Monday, January 22, 2024 .

    In addition to the date change, the EC suggested that the election day be made a national holiday.

    The EC explained that this will help boost civic engagement and contribute to the development of a more robust democratic culture.

    This proposal follows a petition by the Seventh Adventist Church, indicating that Saturday, December 7, is a Sabbath day.

    The church has called in the Attorney-General’office to support amending the election day to either November 1 or 2.

    The Church leadership petitioned the Attorney-General’s office to support a bill amending the election day to either the 1st or 2nd Tuesday of November.

    The objective is to ensure an inclusive democratic exercise without intentionally hindering anyone from exercising their voting rights.

    The deputy chairperson of the EC, Dr. Bossman Asare, has indicated that the Commission contemplated changing the election date for the 2024 general election as early as 2020.

    He mentioned that the intention to change the 2024 election date was considered in 2020 after certain political parties proposed a change in date.

  • 2024 election timetable should have been out by now – CODEO to EC

    2024 election timetable should have been out by now – CODEO to EC

    The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has called on the Electoral Commission to promptly release the timetable for the December 2024 general elections.

    Both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the importance of having a roadmap for the elections at this stage to facilitate effective planning by all stakeholders.

    National Coordinator of CODEO, Albert Arhin, emphasized that the timely release of the election timetable would allow the Electoral Commission to demonstrate its readiness for the December polls.

    He suggested that this action would not only provide assurance to political parties but also indicate that the Electoral Commission is well-prepared, even if the election date were to be in November, as the EC has proposed.

    “The only thing that I consider and which the EC should look at seriously is to be able to come out. The timetable for the 2024 election has not come out, and I believe that is the reason why a lot of the smaller parties and the bigger opposition party are dragging their feet.

    “By now, that calendar should have been out to convince everybody that they really mean business and that whatever fear is from the opposition is nonexistent,” he said while speaking on TopStory on JoyFM on January 31.

    Albert Arhin’s remarks come in response to apprehensions raised by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other political parties regarding the feasibility of the Electoral Commission’s proposed November 7 date, should it be approved by Parliament.

    Mr Arhin emphasized that the key to garnering support and consensus on the proposed change of date lies in the Electoral Commission’s provision of clarity regarding its electoral plans.

    “I will appeal to them that they should come out now and immediately with the timetable and convince everybody that they will be able to deliver.

    “The NDC is saying that why did they not do it around 2017, 2018, 2019 thereabouts when they had time and there was no rush and nothing being done at that time,” he added.

    Meanwhile, he stated that during the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting, all parties agreed that the EC should begin the process.

    “Some parties in the room [IPAC meeting] were saying that whether it is going to be used for 2024 or not, that thing should be started. The ball should start rolling so that whether we are able to finish or not able to finish, at least by 2028, they should be able to use it,” he added.

  • You use indelible ink in primaries but refuse to do same in general elections? – Kwame Agbodza to EC

    You use indelible ink in primaries but refuse to do same in general elections? – Kwame Agbodza to EC

    Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minority Chief Whip in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Adaklu, has raised concerns about the Electoral Commission’s decision to eliminate the use of indelible ink in the upcoming 2024 general elections.

    He expressed scepticism and found it suspicious that the same ink was employed in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primaries held on Saturday, January 27, 2024.

    Agbodza suggested that the EC’s proposal to abandon indelible ink, which is crucial for preventing multiple votes, might be a strategy to manipulate the elections in favour of the ruling party.

    “Jean Mensah is using INDELIBLE INK for the NPP internal elections. Why is it necessary to do this for the NPP elections but not necessary for the NATIONAL ELECTIONS? She will NEVER be allowed to throw our country into chaos .2024 ELECTIONS WILL HAPPEN WITH INDELIBLE INK AT ALL COSTS,” his X post read.

    In a recent press conference, the Electoral Commission (EC) announced that the use of indelible ink would no longer be necessary during elections.

    The commission indicated that they have implemented a biometric authentication system to replace indelible ink, which is a semi-permanent dye traditionally applied to a voter’s finger, to prevent double voting.

    This new approach is currently being tested in the ongoing district elections.

  • Election day should be holiday so people can vote – EC proposes

    Election day should be holiday so people can vote – EC proposes

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has tabled a proposal, advocating for the designation of election days as national holidays. 

    The recommendation was presented during the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting held on Monday, January 22, 2024.

    The EC emphasized at the meeting that such a move could significantly contribute to cultivating a more robust democratic culture in the country.

    Advocates of the proposal argue that designating election days as national holidays would provide citizens with ample time and opportunity to participate actively in the electoral process. 

    This increased civic engagement, they believe, could lead to a more informed and participatory electorate.

    In addition to this, the EC is also proposing that the December 7 election date should be reviewed to November 7. The EC clarified that the proposal, initially brought forward by political parties, aims to provide ample time for the commission to effectively manage its operations, particularly in the event of a run-off.

    However, in a reaction the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has kicked against changing the December 7 election date.

  • Changing election date was something we considered in 2020 – EC

    Changing election date was something we considered in 2020 – EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has revealed that it contemplated changing the election date for the 2024 general election as early as 2020.

    The clarification comes after Chairperson of the Commission, Jean Mensa, reportedly proposed that the Commission is contemplating a shift in the election date from December 7 to November 7.

    She revealed this adjustment during a meeting with the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) on Monday, January 22.

    This development to many, aligns with with a recent proposition put forth by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which aimed to modify the election date based on religious considerations.

    The church, referencing Saturday, December 7, 2024, as a day dedicated to divine worship, formally appealed to the Attorney-General’s office, urging support in sponsoring legislation to amend the election day.

    However, the deputy chairperson of the EC in charge of Corporate Services, Dr Bossman Asare has stated that “Let me state very clearly that it had nothing to do with what the Adventist Church brought in the form of a petition.

    According to him the intention to change the 2024 election date was considered in 2020 comes after certain political parties proposed a change in date with the reason being that “in the event there was a run-off, the EC will have exactly 21 days, and right after the 21 days, the next one week would be the inauguration”.

    “This was something the Commission had thought about from 2020, but we did not have enough time to be able to put it into action in 2020. Yesterday [Monday], when we met at IPAC, we made it very clear to the parties that this was a proposal that came from the political parties themselves in 2015,” he said.

    “The reason they gave at the time was that in the event there was a run-off, the EC will have exactly 21 days, and right after the 21 days, the next one week would be the inauguration.

    “Apart from that too, we gave a reason that the time for the EC to work on organising the elections within three weeks will be very, very tight. Beyond that, the time for the inauguration you have a new government and an old government leaving office, the time will be too short,” he added.

  • EC proposes November 7 for 2024 elections

    EC proposes November 7 for 2024 elections

    The Electoral Commission (EC) is contemplating a shift in the election date from December 7 to November 7.

    The Chairperson of the Commission, Jean Mensa, reportedly proposed this adjustment during a meeting with the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) on Monday, January 22.

    In addition to the date change, the EC suggested that the election day be designated as a national holiday.

    The rationale behind this proposal, as explained by the EC Chairperson, is to boost civic engagement and contribute to the development of a more robust democratic culture.

    This proposal echoes a recent suggestion by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, whose followers emphasized that Saturday, December 7, 2024, is a day dedicated to the worship of God.

    The Church leadership petitioned the Attorney-General’s office to support a bill amending the election day to either the 1st or 2nd Tuesday of November.

    The objective is to ensure an inclusive democratic exercise without intentionally hindering anyone from exercising their voting rights.

    The Church leaders expressed the belief that the bill should be sponsored by the Office of the Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General (Executive) due to its nature, and they requested a meeting with the Honourable Minister in this regard.

    Furthermore, there is a prevailing opinion that holding the election in November would provide sufficient time for the completion of all transitional arrangements, particularly in the event of a change in government, ensuring a smooth handover of political power before January 7 in accordance with the provisions of the 1992 Constitution.

    “It is the considered view of the Church that this bill should be sponsored by the Office of the Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General (Executive) because of its nature. Hence, the request for this meeting with the Honourable Minister in that regard,” the Church leadership stated.

  • NDC gives EC 7 days ultimatum to reverse decision not to use indelible ink 

    NDC gives EC 7 days ultimatum to reverse decision not to use indelible ink 

    Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, has issued a stern ultimatum, giving the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, seven days to retract the administrative directive abolishing the use of indelible ink in elections.

    In a letter dated January 9, Mr Dafeamekpor described the directive as unlawful.

    “By this letter, therefore, I demand that, within 7 days, upon receipt of same, you withdraw the said administrative directive unlawfully revoking the statutory use of the indelible ink as part of our electoral authentication process as it undoubtedly amounts to a unilateral REPEAL of Regulation 33, sub-regulation 2, Paragraph (c) of Constitutional Instrument 127, 2020 without any recourse to Parliament, the only Constitutionally mandated organ of state with power so to do,” Mr Dafeamekpor wrote.

    The National Democratic Congress legislator explained that, “If your said directive is allowed, it will be tantamount to a sinful usurpation of the legislative powers of the Parliament of Ghana.”

    It is worth noting that Mrs. Mensa declared the discontinuation of indelible ink usage in district-level elections and all subsequent polls.

    She explained that the decision is a step towards improving the electoral process and implementing a more robust identification system.

    She explained at a media briefing on Monday, December 18 that the biometric identification system flags anyone who attempts multiple registrations; hence, anyone verified after voting cannot vote again.

    “The issue of indelible ink, the question is when we were not doing biometric, we were basically using your face, your card. We look at your face and we say this picture looks like you. Biometric technology makes it difficult for a person who has been verified and cast their vote to come a second time.

    “So, there is no need for indelible ink. Once you have been verified, it goes into the system and you cannot come back a second time,” she said.

    However, Mr Dafeamekpor cautioned thus, “Be assured that if you fail to heed to this request, I shall employ every other lawful remediable steps available to me without any further recourse to you including, but not limited to, the invocation of the penal sanctions contained in Regulation 45 of CI 127 against you and your staff(s).”

  • District level election challenges should be blamed on Jean Mensa – Gbande

    District level election challenges should be blamed on Jean Mensa – Gbande

    The Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has attributed the disruptions during Tuesday’s assembly and unit committee elections in some voting centers across the country to the inadequate leadership skills of Ghana’s Electoral Commissioner (EC).

    In an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Gbande expressed the NDC’s close scrutiny of the election processes to prevent the recurrence of electoral mistakes in the upcoming 2024 general elections.

    “We are very interested, and we have been very much interested in the activities of this election because it has a bearing on the next elections that will be organized. So, we followed keenly as far as the district assembly elections are concerned.”

    “The situation that we find ourselves in as a nation is largely because we have an electoral commissioner who does not believe in consensus building and does not want to learn. We would have avoided this situation if she had engaged stakeholders and had been willing to do what was right.”

    Mr Gbande emphasized that the nation’s current situation is primarily due to having an electoral commissioner who lacks belief in consensus building and is unwilling to learn.

    He suggested that the challenges could have been avoided through engagement with stakeholders and a commitment to doing what is right.

    He further warned that if the electoral commissioner does not improve her leadership skills, the 2024 elections may face negative consequences.

    “What is more shocking is that six hours before the election, the commissioner did not envisage that inventory might not have reached the centers, and she did not even check to ensure that they were in order. This clearly tells us that we are dealing with Jean Mensa, who is largely incompetent and has demonstrated low experience in terms of elections management. It is dangerous going into 2024, particularly if the same personality is still going to be our electoral commissioner.”

  • Jean Mensa’s incompetence has been discovered in problematic district-level elections – NDC

    Jean Mensa’s incompetence has been discovered in problematic district-level elections – NDC

    Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has ascribed the challenges that disrupted Tuesday’s assembly and unit committee elections in various voting centers across the country to what he perceives as the poor leadership skills of Ghana’s Electoral Commissioner.

    In an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Gbande highlighted the NDC’s meticulous monitoring of the election processes. He emphasized the party’s dedication to ensuring that the electoral issues encountered during the recent polls are not repeated in the upcoming general elections in 2024.

    “We are very interested, and we have been very much interested in the activities of this election because it has a bearing on the next elections that will be organized. So, we followed keenly as far as the district assembly elections are concerned.”

    “The situation that we find ourselves in as a nation is largely because we have an electoral commissioner who does not believe in consensus building and does not want to learn. We would have avoided this situation if she had engaged stakeholders and had been willing to do what was right.”

    Mustapha Gbande added that unless the Electoral Commissioner reforms her leadership skills, the 2024 elections may bring about negative consequences.

    “What is more shocking is that six hours before the election, the commissioner did not envisage that inventory might not have reached the centres, and she did not even check to ensure that they were in order. This clearly tells us that we are dealing with Jean Mensa, who is largely incompetent and has demonstrated low experience in terms of elections management. It is dangerous going into 2024, particularly if the same personality is still going to be our electoral commissioner.”

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has postponed the district-level elections in some electoral areas in the Ashanti and Eastern regions.

    The elections were scheduled for Tuesday, December 19, but the EC said in a press statement that they have been moved to Thursday, December 21, 2023.

    The EC cited “a number of technical challenges” as the reason for its decision. Lower Manya in the Eastern Region is among the affected areas.

    “We apologise for the inconvenience caused to residents of these electoral areas. We assure the residents of the affected areas that the district-level elections will be held on Thursday, the 21st of December, 2023,” the statement said.

    In a related development, five individuals in the Duta Electoral Area of Ketu South have obtained an interim injunction, through an ex parte motion, to stop the EC from conducting the district-level elections in the area on December 19, 2023.

    The order, which is valid for ten days, restrains the EC, its assigns, and workmen from any involvement in the elections.

  • Jean Mensa’s leadership at EC is an autocratic one – Peace FM’s Kwabena Marfo

    Jean Mensa’s leadership at EC is an autocratic one – Peace FM’s Kwabena Marfo

    A prominent on-air personality with Peace FM, Kwabena Marfo, has leveled accusations against the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa.

    Mr Marfo contends that Jean Mensa is operating within the EC in an autocratic manner, making decisions unilaterally without seeking advice or considering potential consequences.

    He drew attention to Mensa’s previous role as the Executive Director at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), where she had critiqued certain decisions made by the EC chair at that time.

    In a candid statement during an interactive session on Neat FM’s morning show on December 15, 2023, Marfo expressed his reservations regarding the proposed changes by the EC to eliminate the use of indelible ink during elections.

    He argued passionately that indelible ink, a traditional feature of the electoral process, serves as a crucial safeguard against double voting.

    According to Marfo, “The Electoral Commission, it seems like they don’t like peace, and when there is peace, they don’t want it. Jean Mensa was criticizing a lot of issues during her time at the IEA platform; she used to talk as an angel. But the same issues she used to criticize, she is now doing those 10 times as the EC chair, autocratic leadership.”

    His concerns are primarily centered around the perception that the EC, under Mensa’s leadership, is making decisions without due consideration for potential conflicts or heeding the advice of others.

    Mr Marfo strongly emphasized the importance of indelible ink, a long-established element of the electoral process, in preventing fraudulent activities such as double voting.

    “Nobody advises her; she does as she pleases. If she is doing something that might cause chaos or conflict, she doesn’t care,” he asserted.

    “It is better to use the ink, how much at all is the ink, she cannot give any guarantee to show that one cannot double vote. Her explanation doesn’t make sense, now if she wants to do things differently on her own, she will also see things differently,” he lamented.

    The EC, in response to these concerns, has announced its intention to cease using indelible ink on voters’ fingers during elections.

    The rationale provided by the EC is based on the efficiency of the biometric verification system in preventing instances of double voting.

    Director of Electoral Services at the Electoral Commission, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, clarified that the biometric system, coupled with strict voter register controls, renders indelible ink unnecessary.

    He explained that the biometric verification process ensures that each voter is verified only once, thereby eliminating any possibility of multiple voting.

  • Let the Ghanaians decide, do not rig elections – Mahama to EC

    Let the Ghanaians decide, do not rig elections – Mahama to EC

    As the upcoming elections draw near, John Dramani Mahama, the Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2024 elections, has earnestly appealed to the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure a fair and credible general election without any form of manipulation.

    Addressing an enthusiastic gathering of students at the Wiaso College of Education and Nursing Training in the Western North Region during the ‘Building Ghana Together’ tour, the former president emphasized the crucial role the Electoral Commission plays in upholding the integrity of the electoral process.

    Mahama expressed, “They should do their duty to God and country. They shouldn’t cheat for anybody. I don’t want them to cheat for me and they shouldn’t rig the election for anybody. They should let the wishes of the Ghanaian people prevail,” he said.

    Directing his appeal to the Electoral Commission officers, Mahama urged them to conscientiously carry out their responsibilities on Election Day, adhering strictly to the established rules and regulations.

    He emphasized the need for a free and transparent electoral environment.

    Reflecting on his previous experience as President of Ghana, Mahama asserted, “Electoral Commission Officers, I am appealing to your conscience and your heart, on that day 7th December when you come out, do your work as strictly and according to the rules as possible”.

    “I have that experience, I have been President of Ghana before and you all know the work that I did when I was President. I know that on 7th December, 2024, Insha Allah, NDC will win the election”.

    Encouraging the supporters, Mahama urged them to exercise their right to vote in large numbers, expressing his belief that the NDC’s return to power would contribute to the country regaining its economic strength.

  • EC boss dragged to Court of Appeal over limited voter registration exercise

    EC boss dragged to Court of Appeal over limited voter registration exercise

    Lawyers involved in the case against the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, and her deputies have served a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal, challenging Friday’s ruling.

    The Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) was taken to an Accra High Court for contempt for proceeding with the limited voter registration exercise despite the existence of an interlocutory injunction filed against the Commission.

    The lawyers, not satisfied with the ruling, argued that the decision given on Friday, November 24, 2023, by Her Ladyship Justice Patricia Quansah, was against the weight of the evidence presented at the hearing.

    “Take notice that the Applicant/Appellant herein being dissatisfied with the ruling of the High Court, Tema, sitting per Her Ladyship Justice Patricia Quansah dated 24th November 2023, hereby appeals to the Court of Appeal on the ground set out in paragraph 3 herein of the Notice of Appeal and will at the hearing of the Appeal seek the relief set out in paragraph 4.”

    Among the reliefs the lawyers are still seeking include: “An order citing the respondents for court,” an order committing the respondents for contempt.”

    The interlocutory injunction was secured on Friday, September 8, by a resident of Otsebleku near Afienya, Ayitah Precious, who is not a registered voter. She obtained the injunction to prevent the voter registration exercise from commencing, especially in the districts.

    Ayitah Precious, in her writ, emphasized that her place of residence is located approximately 44.3 kilometres from the EC’s District office in Prampram when using the Accra-Aflao road, and about 37.3 kilometres when using the Akosombo-Accra Road and indicated she cannot afford the cost of traveling the distance to have her registration done.

    She argued that it would have been more convenient if the registration had been conducted in her electoral area and replicated across the country to ensure new applicants are able to go through the process without incurring costs, which will likely disenfranchise some applicants in the EC’s limited voter registration exercise.

    The court granted her relief and injuncted the process, but the Electoral Commissioner and her deputies went ahead to issue notices of the exercise which commences today [September 12].

    Ayitah Precious, not being satisfied with the blatant disregard of the court’s ruling, went back to the High Court on Monday, September 11, to request that Jean Adukwei Mensa, the Chair of the Commission, along with her two deputies, Dr. Eric Bossman Asare and Samuel Tettey, be cited for contempt of court.

  • Limited voter registration: All eligible voters will be registered – EC assures

    Limited voter registration: All eligible voters will be registered – EC assures

    Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, has provided assurance to the people of Ghana that her organization will not exclude any eligible voters in preparation for the 2024 general elections.

    Mrs. Mensa emphasized that the Commission has implemented the necessary measures to ensure that every qualified voter is included in the EC’s voter register.

    She stressed, “We have heard allegations from various quarters that the commission is seeking to disenfranchise eligible voters. This is false; we have no interest in disenfranchising any eligible person.”

    The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) further revealed that her organization plans to conduct a continuous registration exercise nationwide in the coming year to ensure that all eligible individuals are registered.

    Additionally, Mrs. Mensa stated that the EC would identify areas with limited accessibility and carry out a mop-up registration exercise in those regions.

    She strongly urged Ghanaians to refrain from attempting to register minors, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the registration process.

    Mrs. Mensa also called upon the public to assist the commission in addressing the issue of ineligible individuals attempting to enter the registration process, pledging that the EC would make every effort to prevent ineligible voters from being included on the register.

    On September 12, the EC initiated a limited voter registration exercise, aimed at registering citizens who have turned 18 since the previous registration event.

    This 21-day exercise also provides an opportunity for Ghanaians who had not previously registered with the EC to have their names added to the voter list.

    However, since the commencement of the process, some citizens have raised concerns and accused the EC of potentially using the exercise to exclude eligible individuals from participating in the registration.

    Mrs. Mensa, during her presentation at the ‘Let the Citizens Know’ series on Monday, September 18, dismissed these allegations and disclosed that 182,931 Ghanaians had been registered within the first six days of the exercise.

    She reiterated “We do not intend to disenfranchise eligible voters. It is in our interest to register them all.”

    Addressing concerns regarding the Electoral Commission’s decision to utilize its 268 offices for the limited registration exercise, she clarified that the ongoing process is solely an update of the existing voter register.

    “It is not a full-blown registration. It is important to note that this will not be the only registration exercise before the 2024 elections”.

    “In line with our plans to promote an inclusive participatory registration process, we plan to institute continuous registration in all our district offices nationwide in 2024 for a considerable length of time,” Mrs Mensa assured.

  • Supreme court made EC untouchable – CHRAJ

    Supreme court made EC untouchable – CHRAJ


    The Commissioner of the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) Joseph Whittal, is concerned about the Supreme Court’s role in empowering the Electoral Commission (EC) in Ghana. He believes that certain judgments by the Supreme Court have made the EC appear untouchable and overly emboldened, even to the point of challenging the authority of Parliament.

    Whittal’s remarks center around the idea that the Supreme Court’s interpretations of the law in various election-related cases have granted the EC significant power and autonomy, potentially at the expense of democratic checks and balances. He questions why one institution should be given so much authority, especially with the apparent endorsement of the Supreme Court. Whittal’s concerns reflect worries about the balance of power in Ghana’s democracy.

    One specific case Whittal cited is the Abu Ramadan case, where former Chief Justice Georgina Wood emphasized the importance of the right to vote and the ease of voter registration. Whittal argues that the EC should not create obstacles for Ghanaians wishing to register to vote, as registration is a fundamental aspect of democratic participation.

    Additionally, there is controversy surrounding the EC’s decision to conduct limited registration exercises only at district offices, which critics argue may disenfranchise individuals living in remote or hard-to-reach areas. The EC has defended its decision, stating that it would be logistically challenging to cover all areas and that they would prioritize registration in hard-to-reach areas based on the situation on the ground.

    The Chairperson of the EC, Jean Mensa, also mentioned the challenge of decentralizing the registration process, partly attributing it to Parliament’s failure to pass a proposed Constitutional Instrument (C.I.) for approval.

    Overall, Joseph Whittal’s comments highlight concerns about the power and autonomy of the Electoral Commission in Ghana’s democracy and the role of the Supreme Court in shaping the EC’s authority. These issues are important in the context of ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.

  • 182,831 eligible voters registered in the ongoing Limited Registration – EC

    182,831 eligible voters registered in the ongoing Limited Registration – EC

    The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, during a press briefing in Accra, titled “Let the Citizen Know,” disclosed that a total of 182,831 eligible voters have been successfully registered within the initial six days of the ongoing limited voter registration exercise taking place nationwide.

    “At the end of six days, we have recorded a total of 182,831 registered voters. Western region recorded 11,644 representing 6.4% of persons registered; Western North registered 6,491 representing 3.6%; Central region registered 17,590 representing 9.6%; Greater Accra region has registered 27,264 representing 14.9%; Volta region registered 12,681 representing 6.9%.”

    “Oti region registered 4,427 representing 2.4%; Eastern region registered 19,327 representing 10.6%; Ashanti region registered 29,255 representing 16%, Bono region registered 6,580 representing 3.6%; Ahafo region registered 4,244 representing 2.3%; Upper East registered 8,639 representing 4.7% and Upper West region registered 5,241 representing 2.9%,” Mensa stated.

    She further informed journalists that among the total registered voters, 53.9% were males, while 46.1% were females.

    The Limited Voters’ Registration Exercise commenced on September 12, 2023, across all 268 district offices throughout the country, providing the opportunity for eligible Ghanaians aged 18 and above to enroll in the voter register. This exercise is a vital component of the Electoral Commission’s preparations for the forthcoming 2024 general elections.

    The registration period is set to conclude on Monday, October 2, 2023, allowing ample time for eligible citizens to participate in the registration process.

  • EC’s Jean Mensa recognised at Internal Audit Agency conference

    EC’s Jean Mensa recognised at Internal Audit Agency conference

    The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Adukwei Mensa, was honored at the recently concluded Internal Audit Conference hosted by the Internal Audit Agency at UPSA.

    She was presented with the award for Best Head of a Covered Entity that actively supports the Internal Audit Unit (IAU) within the MDA Category.

    This recognition was bestowed in acknowledgment of her consistent adherence to audit recommendations and her overall commitment to facilitating internal audit initiatives.

    The Board Chairman of the Internal Audit Agency, Joseph Winful, in a plaque citation stated that Madam Mensa “ensured that the Internal Audit Unit was provided with adequate resources, space and logistics to enable it deliver on its mandate in an objective and independent manner devoid of intimidation.”

    “Your actions have undoubtedly enhanced the internal control systems of the Electoral Commission of Ghana,” he added.

  • Limited Voters’ Registration: Jean Mensa and her deputies are obstructing service – Lawyer on contempt of court

    Limited Voters’ Registration: Jean Mensa and her deputies are obstructing service – Lawyer on contempt of court

    The legal team representing a private citizen who obtained an injunction from the Accra High Court against the Electoral Commission of Ghana’s (EC) limited voter registration exercise remains steadfast in their pursuit of justice, despite the conduct of EC Chair, Jean Adukwei Mensa.

    The lead counsel, Nii Kpakpo Samoa Addo, has reasserted their determination to ensure that the Commission is officially served with the latest lawsuit for contempt of court.

    This determination comes in the wake of unsuccessful attempts to serve the EC, as the bailiff was denied entry to the headquarters of the election management body on Thursday, September 14.

    “As you are aware, the rules of the court require that we should attempt a minimum of three times to serve the person.

    “So we have exhausted that minimum requirement today, which now entitles us to go back to the court and inform the court that clearly Madam Jean Mensa and her two deputies are not only evading service but they are obstructing service,” 3news.com quoted lawyer Samoa Addo.

    He clarified that the initial commencement document and injunction had already been delivered to the EC. He raised questions about why the commissioners were avoiding the subsequent lawsuit.

    “They received it. Why is it that for the contempt, because they know what they are doing is illegal, and because they know that if they are served with the contempt, there will be no excuse for them when they are called before the court to explain why they should not be jailed, they are evading the service?

    “But we can assure her that she can run but she cannot hide. The rules of the court anticipate such misbehaviour.”

    The limited voter registration, in accordance with the Commission’s schedule, is already underway across all 268 districts, and it is set to conclude on Monday, October 2.

    The original lawsuit sought to halt the exercise due to the challenges it would pose for many first-time voters in reaching district offices for registration.

    For instance, the plaintiff, Precious Ayitah, contended that her place of residence is approximately 44.3 kilometers from the EC’s district office in Prampram via the Accra-Aflao road and about 37.3 kilometers via the Akosombo-Accra road.

    Lawyer Samoa Addo expressed disappointment in Jean Mensa’s actions given her legal background, stating, “It is sad that Madam Jean Mensa is a lawyer and she is behaving the way she is behaving. Nevertheless, we are not deterred at all. We will ensure that she is served.”

  • ‘Autocratic’ Jean Mensa must listen to prevent a coup – Ablakwa on EC’s limited voter registration exercise

    ‘Autocratic’ Jean Mensa must listen to prevent a coup – Ablakwa on EC’s limited voter registration exercise

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has issued a warning to the Electoral Commission (EC) regarding its voter registration process, expressing concerns that it could jeopardize the nation’s progress in upholding democracy.

    Mr Ablakwa criticized the EC’s choice to limit the registration to its district offices, deeming it undemocratic and potentially leading to the exclusion of numerous eligible voters.

    He noted that disenfranchising voters is what has led to the tumbling of many democratic governments in Africa, hence such an approach may not augur well for the country.

    “All of us don’t want coups to happen in our jurisdictions,” Ablakwa said. “But you see when public officials refuse to learn, it results in coups. The Gabon coup is an example and has ended in the disruption of their democracy. And we don’t want that in Ghana.”

    “Look at the anger and outrage that the youth feel about these policies of Jean Mensa, Very autocratic, very undemocratic, no consultation whatsoever. And she is going ahead.”

    In light of this, Mr Ablakwa has urged the Electoral Commission to engage in consultations with all relevant stakeholders regarding the ongoing voter registration process. Additionally, he encouraged the youth to actively register to vote and emphasized their role in holding the EC accountable should any registration issues arise.

    The Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) has instructed its officials to resort to offline voter registration if they encounter challenges with the online registration system during the ongoing Limited Voter Registration exercise.

    This directive comes in response to reports of network connectivity issues associated with the online registration system, which caused delays in the registration process at certain centers on Tuesday morning.

    The EC had previously clarified that the online registration system was designed to promptly identify instances of double registration at the registration point.

    Dr Serebour Quaicoe, Director of Electoral Services at the EC, told the media Tuesday evening that there were “initial hitches” with the system on the first day.

    He said the situation would normalise as the exercise progressed.

    “We have asked them (officers) to switch offline if they encounter challenges.

    “All those registered offline, the system will review their identities and if their names appear on the multiple list they will not vote,” Dr Quaicoe said.

    Dr. Quaicoe reported that the registration process proceeded relatively smoothly, with the exception of rain-related disruptions in many regions of the country.

    The registration, as mandated by Article 45 of the 1992 Constitution, is currently taking place at the Commission’s 268 District Offices.

    Although the registration was initially scheduled to begin at 0800 hours, there were delays in connecting to the EC’s online registration system at some of the centers monitored according to reports.
    As a result, the registration process commenced as late as in certain centers.

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has began its Limited Voters Registration Exercise to enable eligible Ghanaians who are 18 years and above to register for a Voters ID card.

    The exercise commenced on Tuesday, 12th September and its expected to end on 2nd October, 2023.

    Eligible citizens are to carry along their Ghana Card or Ghana Passport as identification for registration purposes.

    This exercise will be carried out across all 268 District Offices of the Electoral Commission.

  • Jean Mensa as EC poses a significant threat to our democracy – Kpessa-Whyte

    Jean Mensa as EC poses a significant threat to our democracy – Kpessa-Whyte

    Professor Michael Kpessa-Whyte, a prominent NDC member, has rejected media claims that he absolved the Electoral Commission (EC) of responsibility for his party’s 2020 presidential election defeat.

    Kpessa-Whyte’s social media post on September 9, 2023, had suggested he made such a statement publicly.

    However, in a subsequent social media post, Kpessa-Whyte maintained that the EC cannot be cleared of blame for the NDC’s loss. He emphasized that the current Chairperson of the commission, Jean Adukwei Mensa, has turned the election management body into a significant threat to Ghana’s democracy.

    “Folks, ignore the misleading and mischievous headlines of @asaaseradio995 and other online news portals trying to exonerate the EC from misconduct in the 2020 elections based on a message I shared recently. The EC under Jean Mensa remains the biggest threat to our democracy,” he wrote in a Twitter post.

    In a previous post where he congratulated the newly appointed NDC officers, Kpessa Whyte, who had served as one of the NDC’s representatives in the Electoral Commission of Ghana’s strong room during the national election result collation, pointed out that certain party members and supporters had misconstrued the actual factors responsible for the party’s electoral defeat.

    “I opt to address this publicly because many have deluded themselves on account of the subject matter in a manner that is not helpful for our party. Indeed, if our party, the NDC is truly desirous to win 2024, it would make sense for party officials and members to eliminate the delusion that elections are won from the EC strong room, and that we lost 2020 from the EC strong room. Elections are won and lost at the polling stations.

    “How can a party that has admitted that it was unable to collate its 2020 results claim it lost from the strong room? Which result did the party give to its agents in the strong room? Why hasn’t the party put out its results if indeed there was one? What is there to gain from deluding ourselves into another defeat? God forbids! Let’s own up to our collective mistakes and errors and stop the blame game. There is nothing to gain from self-delusion,” Kpessa Whyte is quoted to have said by asaaseradio.com.

    He added “We must be truthful to ourselves. If we are serious about rescuing Ghana, then let’s stop trying to hide our collective negligence by blaming people who otherwise were sacrificing on the frontline for our cause”.

    The scholar reiterated that he chose to write about the issue out of concern that neglecting to confront the issues observed in the 2020 elections would hinder their chances of winning future elections.

    However, in his recent post where he criticized Asaase Radio, Kpessa-Whyte emphasized his stance regarding the Electoral Commission’s role in the NDC’s defeat in the 2020 presidential election.

  • 15,000 names expunged from voters’ register – EC

    15,000 names expunged from voters’ register – EC

    The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, has announced that the commission has taken significant measures to eliminate 15,000 names of minors and non-citizens from the voters’ register.

    This revelation was made during a press conference called ‘Let the Citizen Know’ held in Accra on Thursday, August 17.

    Addressing the matter, she acknowledged that the 2020 registration process had exposed instances in which minors and non-citizens names were featured in the voters’ list by exploiting the guarantor system.

    To tackle this issue, the EC established District Registration Review Committees, which diligently worked over several weeks to identify and remove ineligible names from the register.

    “Our experience from the 2020 registration highlighted that a number of minors and foreigners utilized the guarantor system to become part of our roll. In order to rectify this and eliminate minors and foreigners from the 2020 register, the EC formed District Registration Review Committees, which worked diligently over several weeks to purge the names,” she explained.

    “The process of removing the names of unauthorized individuals from our list was time-consuming and labor-intensive. Throughout the registration, around 40,000 cases involving minors and non-citizens were challenged, resulting in the removal of approximately 15,000 ineligible entries,” she confirmed.

    Ms. Mensa stressed that the EC’s decision to adopt the Ghana Card as the sole identification document for voter registration is not intended to disenfranchise citizens. Rather, it’s a strategic move aimed at enhancing the credibility of the electoral roll and preventing similar occurrences.

    She clarified that the Commission no longer sees value in maintaining the guarantor system, which has become outdated. Thus, the choice to adopt the Ghana Card as the exclusive identification method for voting.

    Furthermore, she elaborated that employing the Ghana Card is the most reliable method to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s electoral roll.

  • You will be prosecuted for vouching for more than 10 persons during voter registration – EC

    You will be prosecuted for vouching for more than 10 persons during voter registration – EC

    Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, has emphasized that individuals vouching for more than ten people during the voter registration process will be prosecuted as per its regulations.

    To ensure accurate registration, the EC limits each person’s vouching to a maximum of ten individuals.

    Additionally, anyone vouching for a foreigner violates the law and will face appropriate action.

    During a press briefing on August 17, 2023, Jean Mensa highlighted the required identification documents for voter registration and cautioned that those disregarding the guidelines would face legal consequences.

    She urged the media to aid in educating citizens about this aspect of the law.

    Mensa also announced that district-level elections, slated for December 19, 2023, will be held across the country, except in the Nkoranza North and South districts, where they will occur in 2025.

    She encouraged active participation in these nonpartisan elections, which elect representatives for local government structures.

    The district-level elections, held every four years, encompass all 6,272 electoral areas, excluding Nkoranza North and South due to security concerns.

    The Chairperson disclosed that the Commission has outlined a comprehensive program for the 2023 district-level elections, to be disclosed soon.

    She urged citizens to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration process and actively engage in the upcoming elections on December 19, 2023.