Reject petition to pemove EC Chair, deputies – Group to Mahama

A group called the Centre for Democracy and Socio-Economic Development (CDS) has petitioned the President. They ask him not to remove the chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) and other commissioners.

This petition responds to two requests from another group. The Positive Transparency and Accountability Movement Ghana, along with Daniel Ofosu-Appiah, wants EC chairperson Jean Mensa removed. They also want her deputies, Dr. Bossman Asare and Samuel Tettey, as well as Dr. Peter Atuahene, removed.

The CDS is urging President John Mahama to reject these petitions. They believe doing so would benefit Ghana's democracy.

The organization warns against repeating events from 2017. In that year, the EC Chairperson and her deputies were removed amid claims of political motivation. The CDS fears similar sentiments will arise if current officials are removed.

They state that those calling for removals today are inspired by this past event. Allowing this cycle to continue could harm Ghana’s Fourth Republic and threaten the EC's independence.

The CDS emphasizes the importance of independent democratic institutions in Ghana. They argue that electoral commissions must be free from political influence.

If this administration dissolves the current commission, future governments may feel encouraged to do the same. This could lead to a dangerous cycle of political interference in elections.

The CDS believes that maintaining public trust in the Electoral Commission is crucial. They urge President Mahama not to consider any petitions for removal.

They warn that dissolving the commission would set a troubling precedent. It could make the EC an extension of ruling governments, changing with each new administration.

In conclusion, they call on the President to uphold the independence of the Electoral Commission and avoid future removals based on political motives.