Asiedu Nketia Calls for Removal of EC Chair Jean Mensa and Deputies

The Chairman of Ghana’s main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has publicly demanded the removal of the entire leadership team of the Electoral Commission (EC). According to Asiedu Nketia, the current leadership is incapable of conducting transparent, credible, and efficient elections in Ghana, and their continued management poses a serious threat to the integrity of the country’s democratic processes.

Speaking during a detailed interview on Joy News on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Asiedu Nketia did not mince words in his condemnation of the EC’s performance. He pointed to recent electoral controversies and administrative failures, emphasizing that these problems go beyond isolated incidents and reveal systemic weaknesses within the Commission under the leadership of Chairperson Jean Mensa and her deputies.

Highlighting the unresolved parliamentary election in Ablekuma North constituency as a prime example, the NDC Chairman criticized the Commission’s handling of the situation as a glaring institutional failure. He noted that the election deadlock, which has persisted for months without resolution, is both unprecedented and unacceptable.

“As Ghanaians, we expect electoral processes to be conducted smoothly within the framework of the law,” Asiedu Nketia stated firmly. “But to still have a constituency without a duly elected Member of Parliament after this length of time points to negligence and an inability on the part of the Commission to fulfill its responsibilities.”

He stressed that such electoral stalemates are not anticipated by Ghana’s electoral laws, which are designed to ensure timely and fair outcomes. The fact that the EC has allowed this situation to persist reflects poorly on the leadership’s competence and commitment.

Asiedu Nketia also referenced the disenfranchisement of the Sagnarigu (SALL) constituency during the 2020 general elections as the beginning of a troubling pattern of poor electoral management. The failure to promptly conduct elections for this constituency meant it remained unrepresented in Parliament for nearly four years — an issue that has left many questioning the efficacy of the EC’s stewardship.

“Six months after the general election and we still have no elected MP for SALL. That’s unacceptable in any democratic society,” he remarked.

The NDC Chairman further pointed out additional electoral mishaps, including the mismanagement of the Ayawaso West by-election, underscoring what he sees as a consistent failure of the current EC leadership to execute their duties effectively.

“This commission, as it currently stands, has never delivered a satisfactory election since taking office. From SALL to Ablekuma North, and the Ayawaso West by-election, everything has been fraught with errors and mismanagement,” Asiedu Nketia said.

In light of these issues, he advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of the Electoral Commission to restore public trust and ensure the institution meets its constitutional mandate.

“Resetting the EC means transforming it into an institution that is fit for purpose,” he explained. “Right now, it is clearly not. If we are serious about democracy, this has to happen.”

He also criticized the current government for continuing to support the present EC leadership despite repeated failures and public outcry.

“If this was any serious democratic country, such mismanagement would not be tolerated. Yet, here we are with the government standing behind an EC that has repeatedly failed the people,” he added.

Asiedu Nketia’s remarks have intensified calls for urgent reforms within the Electoral Commission amid rising concerns over electoral transparency, fairness, and efficiency. Many stakeholders now agree that without meaningful changes, Ghana’s democratic credibility risks further erosion.

The public awaits the government’s response to these demands, as political tensions around electoral management continue to grow ahead of future elections.