The Centre for Democracy and Socio-Economic Development (CDS) has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to reject recent calls for the removal of the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mrs. Jean Mensa, and three of her colleagues. The CDS warns that acting on such petitions would set a dangerous political precedent and further threaten the independence of Ghana’s electoral body.
Their appeal comes in direct response to two separate petitions submitted to the Presidency by a group known as the Positive Transparency and Accountability Movement Ghana and an individual, Daniel Ofosu-Appiah.
The petitions call for the removal of Jean Mensa, her deputies Dr. Bossman Asare and Samuel Tettey, and another commissioner, Dr. Peter Atuahene.
“Don’t repeat the mistakes of 2017”
In what appears to be a counter-petition, the CDS reminded the President of the controversial 2017 dismissal of then-EC Chairperson Charlotte Osei and her deputies, a move they described as politically motivated.
According to the CDS, a similar decision now would reinforce a harmful cycle that undermines the EC’s independence.
“Today, those calling for the removal of Jean Mensa and her team are drawing inspiration from that unfortunate precedent,” the petition stated.
“If this cycle is allowed to continue, it will erode the foundations of Ghana’s Fourth Republic and threaten the independence of the Electoral Commission beyond repair.”
Protect the EC’s independence
The CDS strongly appealed to President Mahama to stand as a guardian of Ghana’s democratic institutions and avoid any action that could politicize the Electoral Commission.
“Your Excellency, the fundamental principle that electoral commissions should be independent of political influence should outweigh all other considerations,” the petition reads.
“If this administration dissolves the current Commission, future governments will feel emboldened to do the same, creating a dangerous cycle of political interference that could ultimately undermine Ghana’s hard-earned democratic stability.”
The Centre warned that removing the EC leadership based on public or partisan pressure would transform the institution into a revolving door aligned with ruling governments, destroying public confidence and credibility in the electoral process.
A call to uphold democratic integrity
The CDS’s plea urges President Mahama to consider the long-term impact of such a decision on Ghana’s democratic development.
The organization believes that safeguarding the EC’s independence is vital not just for this administration, but for the preservation of democratic norms in future governments.
“The commission should not become a mere extension of ruling governments, subject to change with every new administration,” the CDS cautioned.
CDS called on all well-meaning Ghanaians, civil society organizations, and democratic institutions to support the integrity and autonomy of the Electoral Commission, arguing that such protection is essential for peace, political fairness, and democratic continuity in Ghana.
As debates over the petitions continue, the final decision now rests with President Mahama, whose response will have far-reaching consequences for public confidence in Ghana’s electoral system and the broader democratic landscape.
