'Put Ghana first' – Prof Adei tells new EC bosses

Professor Stephen Adei has lauded the President’s decision to appoint IEA Boss, Madam Jean Mensah as Electoral Commission Chairperson.

According to him, Madam Jean Mensah has in-depth knowledge on elections making her a good choice for the vacant position.

President Akufo-Addo in consultation with the Council of State appointed the Executive Director of Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Jean Mensah as the new Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.

The President also appointed Mr. Samuel Tetteh and Dr. Eric Asare Bossman as deputies of the EC Boss.

In an interview with Ekourba Gyasi on Atinka AM Drive, Professor Stephen Adei explained that with the experience gathered by Jean Mensah at the IEA, as coordinator for the Ghana Political Parties Programme, member of the Presidential Transition Act among other duties, make her more qualified for the position.

He added said although he does know the two other deputies, he believes they are equally suitable for the positions.

Commenting on political bias with respect to ruling parties appointing EC chairpersons, Professor Stephen Addai mentioned that all persons have the right to vote unless the person decides not to vote.



“With an office as delicate as the EC’s, it does not matter if the person is NDC or NPP, what matters is the integrity and the track record of whoever is appointed unless we start appointing foreigners as EC bosses”, he added.

He advised the newly appointed EC and his deputies to put Ghana first and not serve the interest of whoever appointed them. He added that they should know that they were appointed to serve Ghana and not any political party.

Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensa is currently the Executive Director of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and Co-ordinator of the Ghana Political Parties Programme. She is a lawyer by profession and has carved a niche for herself in the field of policy research and advocacy.

She has been involved in the development of policies such as the Presidential Transition Act of 2012; the Revised 1992 Constitution of Ghana (draft); the Political Parties Funding Bill; and the Revised Political Parties Bill.