Former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu has rejected calls for the resignation of Madam Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), following criticisms from a special aide of President-elect John Dramani Mahama.

Mr. Iddrisu, speaking on Accra-based TV3, disagreed with Madam Joyce Bawa Mogtari’s demands and stated that the EC Chair’s removal was not a priority for President Mahama.

The Tamale South MP stated that unless there is evidence of misconduct, such as procurement issues, there is no basis for removing Jean Mensa.  

“Who should resign? Over what? Charlotte Osei was chairperson of the Electoral Commission, but they had issues with her because of procurement. If Jean Mensah too has procurement issues, that may define her future,” he remarked, referencing the controversies that led to Charlotte Osei's removal as EC Chair under the previous administration. 

mr. Iddrisu further stressed that the role of the EC Chairperson is not to determine who governs Ghana, a decision that ultimately rests with the citizens. 

“No, no. Why would you change an electoral commission chairperson? These are not matters that is of primary concern to President Mahama. I'm begging you, no. Where Jean Mensa is. Jean Mensa doesn't determine who rules Ghana. Ghanaians determine who rules them,” he said emphatically.  

Mogtari's criticism  

Madam Mogtari had earlier called for the EC Chair’s resignation during an interview on Accra-based Channel 1 Television. 

She cited concerns about partisanship within the commission and criticised its delayed declaration of election results, which she claimed contributed to political tensions. 

“The commission is overly partisan and needs to be cleansed,” Mogtari asserted, adding, “I was thinking the EC Chairperson was going to resign yesterday. We are in a circular state and you spend all this time telling us what to do and what not to do.”  

She also linked the delays in announcing the election results to the violence that occurred post-election. “One of the reasons why we are experiencing violence is because it took too long for the EC to declare the results,” she argued.