CDS Africa urges President Mahama to reject petitions against Electoral Commission leadership

The Africa Center for Democracy and Socioeconomic Development (CDS Africa) has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to disregard ongoing petitions seeking the removal of Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa and her colleagues—Mr. Samuel Tetteh, Dr. Bossman Eric Asare, and Dr. Peter Appiahene.

The appeal was formally made in a petition dated March 4, 2025, and submitted to the Office of the President.

CDS Africa acknowledged that several individuals and organizations, including the Positive Transparency & Accountability Movement-Ghana and Mr. Ofosu-Appiah Daniel, have petitioned for the dismissal of the commissioners. However, the think tank emphasized that despite any legal basis those petitions may have, removing the commissioners would risk undermining Ghana’s institutional stability and democratic integrity.

“By choosing not to forward these petitions to the Chief Justice for action, Your Excellency would reaffirm your commitment to strengthening our democracy and ensuring that Ghana’s Electoral Commission remains a truly independent institution, free from political interference,” the petition stated.

CDS Africa also encouraged President Mahama to take a bold and unifying step by retaining the commissioners appointed by the previous administration, noting it could mark a turning point in Ghana’s democratic evolution.

“You have the opportunity to set a historic precedent—one that prevents future presidents from removing Electoral Commissioners appointed by their predecessors, thereby shielding the EC from undue political influence,” the petition concluded.

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