By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
Dr. Ekua Amoakoh, a spokesperson for the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s Manifesto Committee, has launched a strong criticism against Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa, describing her as “not fit for purpose” following the EC’s decision to conduct a re-election in 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North constituency.
Appearing on GHOne TV’s Hard Talk, Dr. Amoakoh said the Commission’s handling of the process lacked transparency and undermined public confidence. She questioned the rationale behind the EC’s decision, which it said was due to irregularities and procedural errors that affected the initial results in those polling stations.
“Jean Mensa is not fit for purpose,” Dr. Amoakoh declared. “Even if there were procedural errors, the way this re-election was announced and conducted raises serious concerns. There was poor stakeholder engagement and inadequate communication, which left political parties and voters in the dark.”
The Electoral Commission had earlier explained that the re-election in the 19 polling stations was necessary due to breaches in electoral procedures, including instances where presiding officers reportedly failed to sign results sheets, rendering the results in those stations invalid.
However, Dr. Amoakoh said such lapses should have been avoided entirely if the Commission had ensured proper training and oversight on election day.
“How do we go from a full constituency vote to re-running polls in 19 stations because of signatures? It speaks to deeper administrative weaknesses that cannot be ignored,” she stressed.
She added that the Commission’s handling of the issue has fueled mistrust and created unnecessary political tension in what should have been a straightforward electoral process.
“This is not about politics; it’s about competence and trust in an institution that holds the power to shape our democracy.”
The Electoral Commission has not responded directly to Dr. Amoakoh’s comments, though it maintains that the re-election was within its legal mandate and necessary to ensure electoral integrity.
The controversy in Ablekuma North is the latest in a series of concerns raised by political stakeholders about the EC’s operations.
