The Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has described President John Dramani Mahama as a non-vindictive leader, citing his decision to retain Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa despite criticisms of her handling of the 2020 general elections.
Speaking during the Thursday Class segment of Adekyee Mu Nsem, hosted by Nana Dogbe on Ahotor 92.3 FM on Thursday, October 15, 2026, Mr Koomson said some people had expected President Mahama to remove Jean Mensa after returning to office, but the President had chosen to retain her.
“People were expecting President Mahama to sack the current commissioner, Madam Jean Mensa, but he has not done that. If President Mahama were to be vindictive, would Jean Mensa still be there?” he asked.
Mr Koomson compared the situation to the removal of former Electoral Commission Chairperson Charlotte Osei during the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. He argued that President Mahama’s decision to retain Jean Mensa demonstrated restraint, adding that some members of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) would have prioritised her removal if given the opportunity.
Koomson defends appointment of new deputy commissioners
Mr Koomson also defended President Mahama’s appointment of two new deputy commissioners to the Electoral Commission, explaining that the previous officeholders had left their positions through retirement and resignation.
He maintained that the appointments were necessary to fill the vacancies rather than an attempt to pursue political interests. He further suggested that experienced political figures, including Asiedu Nketia, could have been considered for deputy commissioner positions.
GFL chief renews criticism of 2020 voter registration exercise
Despite defending President Mahama’s decision to retain Jean Mensa, Mr Koomson maintained his criticism of the Electoral Commission’s handling of the electoral process ahead of the 2020 general elections.
He alleged that decisions taken by the Commission during the voter registration exercise favoured the then-President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. He said organised labour had raised concerns about the process, including the decision to conduct voter registration during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Mr Koomson, requiring citizens to queue to register during the pandemic created additional difficulties at a time of significant public health concerns. He also claimed that the concerns raised by organised labour were not adequately addressed, contributing to his reservations about the credibility of the process.
His comments have renewed attention on the Electoral Commission’s leadership, concerns surrounding the 2020 electoral process and President Mahama’s decision to retain Jean Mensa while appointing new deputies to fill vacancies within the institution.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah