A Civil Society Organization (CSO), the Positive Transparency and Accountability Movement-Africa (PTAAM-Africa), has petitioned the government to remove Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC); and her deputies from office.

The petition, addressed to President John Dramani Mahama, cites multiple allegations, including financial mismanagement, constitutional violations, and misconduct.

The petition highlights the procurement of a new biometric voter device, and the compilation of a new voter register before the 2020 general elections as key concerns.

PTAAM-Africa claims this expenditure, which ran into millions of taxpayer dollars, was unnecessary, as the existing 2016 voter register, and biometric devices were deemed adequate.

The group asserts that this decision resulted in significant financial loss to the state.

"The procurement of a new biometric voter device and the compilation of a new voter register before the 2020 general elections caused significant financial loss to the state. This expenditure, amounting to millions of taxpayer dollars, was unnecessary as the 2016 voter register and biometric devices were robust and fit for purpose," part of the petition said.

The organisation also accuses Jean Mensa and her leadership of creating a constitutional crisis through decisions made ahead of the 2020 elections.

"The Positive Transparency and Accountability Movement-Africa calls on Your Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, to act on this petition. Removing Mrs. Jean Mensa and her deputies will help restore public trust and transparency in the Electoral Commission, reaffirming Ghana's status as a beacon of hope for
democracy in Africa," it added.

The group has called on former President Mahama to act swiftly in addressing their concerns. As the matter gains attention, political and civil society stakeholders are expected to weigh in on the implications for Ghana’s democratic processes.

Read the full statement below:





AM/KA

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