Controversy Over Electoral Commission Decisions: NDC’s Jamal Konneh Challenges Jean Mensa’s Actions

The Eastern Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Jamal Konneh, has expressed serious reservations about the fairness of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC). Madam Jean Mensa, chair of Ghanas Electoral Commission (EC), has been accused of seeking to aid the New Patriotic Party (NPP) by refusing to accept parliamentary results in nine constituencies, according to a set of nine petitions lodged with Parliament by former president John Dramani Mahama.

The results from some constituencies would not be recognized by the Electoral Commission (EC), EC chair person Madam Jean Mensa told the media, saying they were obtained under duress. Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Ahafo Ano South West, Ahafo Ano North, Obuasi East, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Techiman South, Dome Kwabenya, Tema Central areas are affected. ‘She said public acknowledgement of the results would be after collation of all outstanding claims through due process.’

But Jamal Konneh reportedly disagreed, calling her political. He also raised controversy over EC impartiality by saying she was following an agenda to influence outcomes.

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The Electoral Commission (EC), emphatically, said they view declarations made under duress by their staff as illegal. “We won’t be upholding the results that were announced under threats or coercion,” she said. Both the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo and President Elect John Dramani Mahama were called on to bring to an end the safety and security of EC officials. But Jamal Konneh reportedly disagreed with her argument and claimed she was motivated by a political agenda. According to his remarks, the opinion might be at odds about the neutrality and the integrity of the EC’s leadership.

Konneh’s Allegations of Bias

In a statement, Konneh accused Madam Mensa of being an institution serving the NPP. He said that she was making a deliberate attempt to get more seats for the ruling party which he alleged had lost the polls.

“Madam Jean Mensa has from day one from the day she was appointed been biased in favour of the NPP.” Konneh was quoted as saying, “This is another way to try and rig the outcome their way.”

He cited specific instances where he believes the EC acted unfairly:

The EC in Fanteakwa North disobeyed the Returning Officer’s declaration of the NDC parliamentary candidate as the winner by accepting a contradictory declaration by a Deputy Returning Officer.

An injunction at Nsawam stopped the collation process, but Madam Mensa did not same in her public comments.

The EC claimed it conducted collation in Akwatia in the absence of NDC representatives, an act of imbalance critics say.

Six polling stations in Suhum according to the EC were excluded for irregularities, but they were included in the results favouring the NPP.

However, he also faulted Madam Mensa for not drawing a clear line between declarations made under duress and the one obtained from the Imam of Adofa, highlighting that in 2020, Madam Mensa had directed the NDC to launch court action against similar declarations.

Calls for Accountability

Jamal Konneh called on Madam Mensa to strictly discharge her duties and not behave as though she is the returning officer for parliamentary elections because, he said, she only has that function at the regional level. The NDC would resist attempts to bypass the course of justice, he said.

Jean Mensa must allow the legally mandated returning officers to do their work without interference. ‘There will be no illegal maneuvering, they’ll be fearlessly opposed,’ Konneh said.

The call for transparency, accountability of electoral processes by Ghana grows louder as controversy trails. The ongoing tensions serve as an indication that the democracy of our nation is in jeopardy, the necessity of keeping the nation safe from evil rule of the men is utmost; and relying on existing documentations.