Enjoy no ‘honeymoon’; let past events guide you to make EC better – Akufo-Addo to Jean Mensa

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has charged newly sworn in Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Adukwei Mensa and her two Deputies, Samuel Tettey and Dr. Eric Asare Bossman to allow past happenings at the EC guide them to work to protect the integrity of the Commission.

The president who was speaking at the swearing in ceremony of the three Commissioners at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, August 1, told them to bring their respective experiences onboard to ensure that confidence is restored to the EC.

He told the new Commissioners to work hard in ensuring that the expectations of Ghanaians in terms of the integrity and efficient running of the Electoral Commission are met.

“You, Madam Chair and your two deputies, have come to office at a time when there is considerable anxiety in the nation about the work of the Commission.”

“It is the quality of your work that will re-assure the Ghanaian people that the democratic system of government that they have chosen for their governance will be properly nurtured by an electoral system that allows their voice to be plainly and loudly heard,” President Akufo-Addo added.

According to the President, there is a lot of work to be done at the Electoral Commission, and encouraged the new Commissioner and her two Deputies to make no room for leisure, but to begin dealing with issues already sitting at the Commission yet to be attended to.

“As you begin work, you will find no ‘honeymoon’ period; neither will you be afforded the chance to settle in to your new responsibilities. On your desk, Madam Chairperson, will be the recommendations of the Report from the Brobbey Commission of Inquiry, on the creation of new regions, which, in accordance with the teachings of the Constitution, I have forwarded to you.”

President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in Jean Mensa and her two Deputies to ensure that professionalism, integrity and fairness prevails at the Electoral Commission.

On June 28, 2018, President Akufo-Addo gave directions for the removal of former EC Chair, Charlotte Osei and her two Deputies, Amadu Sulley and Georgina Opoku Amankwa following recommendations from a Committee set up by Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo.

The president who was speaking at the swearing in ceremony of the three Commissioners at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, August 1, told them to bring their respective experiences onboard to ensure that confidence is restored to the EC.

He told the new Commissioners to work hard in ensuring that the expectations of Ghanaians in terms of the integrity and efficient running of the Electoral Commission are met.

“You, Madam Chair and your two deputies, have come to office at a time when there is considerable anxiety in the nation about the work of the Commission.”

“It is the quality of your work that will re-assure the Ghanaian people that the democratic system of government that they have chosen for their governance will be properly nurtured by an electoral system that allows their voice to be plainly and loudly heard,” President Akufo-Addo added.

According to the President, there is a lot of work to be done at the Electoral Commission, and encouraged the new Commissioner and her two Deputies to make no room for leisure, but to begin dealing with issues already sitting at the Commission yet to be attended to.

“As you begin work, you will find no ‘honeymoon’ period; neither will you be afforded the chance to settle in to your new responsibilities. On your desk, Madam Chairperson, will be the recommendations of the Report from the Brobbey Commission of Inquiry, on the creation of new regions, which, in accordance with the teachings of the Constitution, I have forwarded to you.”

President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in Jean Mensa and her two Deputies to ensure that professionalism, integrity and fairness prevails at the Electoral Commission.

On June 28, 2018, President Akufo-Addo gave directions for the removal of former EC Chair, Charlotte Osei and her two Deputies, Amadu Sulley and Georgina Opoku Amankwa following recommendations from a Committee set up by Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo.

According to President Akufo-Addo, the removal of Mrs. Osei and her two Deputies was strictly in accordance with the rule of law.

“Neither my party nor I had any hand in the proceeding. Our only interest is to have an Electoral Commission that organizes credible, transparent elections.

“We do not want electoral victories handed to us by officials of the Electoral Commission. We want electoral victories handed to us by the people of Ghana,” he said.

The President further said he is committed to fighting for the establishment of democracy, as well as advocating for a credible electoral process in Ghana.

“In emphasizing the importance and credibility of elections, it must be pointed out that the count, the collation, the declaration of results cannot and should not be more important than the sacred, God-given right of a citizen casting his or her ballot.”

He noted that the interest and safety of the Ghanaian must be at the heart of happenings at the Electoral Commission to ensure that they are protected at all times.