President Mahama petitioned to remove EC Chair, Deputies

A staff of Ghana’s Electoral Commission has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to trigger constitutional processes for the removal of the Commission’s leadership, citing what he describes as conduct that undermines public trust in the country’s elections.

Joseph Blankson Adumadzie confirmed on Monday, 24 November, that he has submitted a petition invoking Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, the legal mechanism used for impeaching heads of independent constitutional bodies.

He declined to release the full content of the petition, noting that the law bars petitioners from public disclosure. However, he said the document sets out 12 grounds of “stated misbehaviour” against the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, and her two deputies, Dr Bossman Eric Asare and Samuel Tettey.

Mr Adumadzie said the petition includes claims of cronyism, abuse of office, and gross incompetence, alleging that the conduct of the three senior officials has weakened confidence in the Electoral Commission and poses risks to the institution’s independence.

According to him, the decision to file the petition was motivated by a desire to safeguard Ghana’s constitutional order and protect the credibility of a body central to democratic governance.

He has urged President Mahama to act swiftly by forwarding the petition to the Chief Justice for an initial determination of a prima facie case, as required under Article 146.

Mr Adumadzie said the step is essential to protecting the integrity and dignity of the Electoral Commission as Ghana prepares for future electoral processes.