The resetting agenda of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) aims to restore discipline within state institutions that have shifted from their core mandates toward personal and partisan interests. According to the party, the Electoral Commission (EC) is among the institutions whose record of accountability and stewardship has suffered in recent years.
Sulemana Adam, Member of Parliament for Tain and a member of the Communications and Information Committee, made these remarks on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra.
He disagreed with the Minority’s position that the Tamale High Court’s decision calling for a rerun of the Kpandai Constituency election amounted to a miscarriage of justice. He argued that the conduct of some EC officials must be examined to restore the discipline and credibility the Commission has enjoyed in previous years.
He cautioned that the actions of ruling party officials and some EC officers during national elections have negatively affected public confidence in key institutions, stressing the need for corrective measures.
Sulemana Adam further emphasized that the opposition must offer constructive and responsible criticism, especially as petitioners exercise their constitutional right to seek the removal of the EC Chairperson and her two deputies.
He added that he supports calls for the removal of the Special Prosecutor if investigations find him culpable in the performance of his duties. He noted that it is time for all public officers to be held accountable and to respect the laws of the country in the interest of national development.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has confirmed that petitions seeking the removal of the EC Chairperson, her two deputies, and the Special Prosecutor (SP) have been received and forwarded to the Chief Justice for further action.
“Every necessary step has been taken,” Kwakye Ofosu said. “The process is clear. At this stage, the matter has moved beyond the President, who has only the responsibility of conveying the petitions to the Chief Justice. Everything now rests with the Chief Justice, who I believe will act in accordance with Ghanaian law.”
His comments follow President John Dramani Mahama’s receipt of ten petitions last week. Seven of these seek the removal of EC Chairperson Jean Mensa and her two deputies—Dr. Bossman Eric Asare, in charge of Corporate Affairs, and Samuel Tettey, responsible for Operations. Three additional petitions call for the removal of Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng.
Under Article 70(2) of the Constitution, the President—acting on the advice of the Council of State—appoints the Chairperson, deputies, and members of the Electoral Commission. The law also stipulates that their terms and conditions of service are equivalent to those of Justices of the superior courts, and their removal follows the same procedures.
Specifically, the EC Chairperson’s conditions align with those of a Court of Appeal Justice, while the deputies share terms similar to those of High Court Justices.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu reassured the public that the Chief Justice will follow all legal procedures in addressing the petitions.