EC Chair explains policy behind absence at Mahama’s swearing-in

Chairperson Jean Mensa clarified that Electoral Commission members, including herself and the deputies, do not attend swearing-in ceremonies unless officially invited.

Speaking at an Inter-Party Advisory Committee meeting ahead of the 2024 general elections, she explained that the commission did not receive any invitation to attend President John Dramani Mahama’s swearing-in or ministerial inaugurations.

Mahama was sworn in on January 7, 2025, at Black Star Square in Accra, beginning his second term. Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo administered the oath.

Mensa emphasized that this absence is a longstanding policy rather than a personal decision, noting that EC officials have never attended any swearing-in ceremonies during their tenure, as attendance is strictly by invitation only.