EC Chair Jean Mensah cannot be removed
Former Attorney General Ayikoi Otoo has commented on a petition by Kwame Ofosu-Appiah, which calls for the removal of the Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Jean Mensa, and her deputies. He stated that the allegations made against them do not meet the required standards for dismissal so she cannot be removed.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Ayikoi Otoo explained that the claims raised do not address any serious issues that could justify their removal. He emphasized the importance of separating personal opinions or actions made before taking office from their performance in official roles.
The former Attorney General further noted that the Chief Justice is the appropriate authority to determine whether the allegations in the petition are serious enough to proceed with removal. From his perspective, he sees no substantial grounds for dismissal.
One of the main points raised by the petitioner is the alleged disenfranchisement of residents in Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) during the 2020 parliamentary elections. However, Ayikoi Otoo dismissed this as insufficient to warrant the removal of the EC Chair and her deputies.
He also revealed that some of the accusations stem from statements made by the officials before they assumed their roles. For example, one deputy EC official reportedly made controversial remarks as part of academic discussions before joining the Commission. Ayikoi Otoo argued that such actions should not permanently disqualify individuals from holding public office.
Drawing a comparison, he said judges are free to express personal opinions before taking office, but once they are sworn in, they are bound by their professional oaths. He encouraged the public to focus on the officials’ conduct since they took office rather than their past statements.
