Hands off Jean Mensa — CDS warns Mahama

The Centre for Democracy and Socio-Economic Development (CDS) has warned President John Dramani Mahama. They caution him against trying to remove the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, and her deputies.

This warning follows two petitions. The Positive Transparency and Accountability Movement Ghana and Daniel Ofosu-Appiah submitted these petitions. Both call for the removal of Jean Mensa, Dr. Bossman Asare, Samuel Tettey, and Dr. Peter Atuahene from their EC positions.

In a letter to the president, CDS expressed serious concerns about this move. They believe it could harm Ghana’s democratic stability. “Those calling for Jean Mensa's removal are inspired by a bad precedent,” they stated.

CDS warned that allowing this cycle to continue would erode Ghana’s Fourth Republic foundations. It could also threaten the independence of the Electoral Commission irreparably.

The group emphasized that protecting the EC's independence is crucial. This is necessary to ensure fair elections and strengthen democratic governance in Ghana.

“Your Excellency, electoral commissions must be free from political influence,” CDS urged. If this administration dissolves the current Commission, future governments may do the same. This could create a dangerous cycle of political interference, undermining Ghana’s hard-earned democracy.