Petition to remove EC Chair, deputies linger

The Positive Transparency and Accountability Movement Africa (PTAAM Africa), a civil society organisation, has intensified its call on President John Dramani Mahama to act on a petition seeking the removal of Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Jean Mensa and her deputies, Eric Bossman Asare and Samuel Tettey.

The petition, submitted on January 8, 2025, shortly after the new administration assumed office, accuses the EC leadership of causing financial loss to the state, creating a constitutional crisis, and engaging in misconduct and abuse of resources.

Speaking on Joy FM on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, PTAAM Africa’s Vice President, Rashid Isah, expressed frustration over the lack of response from the Presidency.

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo sacked

“As a matter of fact, we’ve not had any clear communication on what action the President intends to take on our petition. We have sent reminders, and we are prepared to follow up if nothing is done,” he stated.

He cited the EC’s decision to compile a new voters’ register for the 2020 elections, which cost over US$80 million, as an example of mismanagement that imposed a heavy burden on taxpayers during economic hardship.

Isah also referenced incidents of electoral violence and the disenfranchisement of an entire constituency in 2020 as evidence of a constitutional crisis under Jean Mensa’s leadership.

Despite sending follow-up reminders in April, PTAAM Africa says it has still received no response.

FULL TEXT: Read leaked termination letter of Justice Torkornoo

“While we recognise that the new administration may need time to settle, our patience is wearing thin. We are keeping our fingers crossed, but we have also taken note of certain actions by this government that appear to be geared towards the same goal. As a team, we will soon decide on our next line of action,” Isah noted.

The renewed push by PTAAM Africa comes in the wake of the dismissal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo by President Mahama on the recommendation of an Article 146 investigative committee, which established stated misbehaviour.

PTAAM Africa has vowed to continue pressing for a clear and decisive response from the Presidency regarding its petition.

GA/MA

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