KEY POINTS
- Petitions for removal of EC leaders and SP submitted.
- Chief Justice will review under Ghanaian law.
- Removal process mirrors judicial procedures for justices.
The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed that petitions requesting the removal of Electoral Commission officials and the Special Prosecutor are now with the Chief Justice.
Kwakye Ofosu said, “We have carried out every required process.” Everything now rests with the Chief Justice, who I believe will act in accordance with Ghanaian law.”
The petitions follow President John Dramani Mahama’s receipt of 10 complaints last week. Seven target EC Chairperson Jean Mensa and her deputies, Dr. Bossman Eric Asare (Corporate) and Samuel Tettey (Operations). Three concern Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng.
Constitutional provisions shape petition review
Under Article 70(2) of the Constitution, the president appoints the EC Chairperson, deputies, and members of the Electoral Commission on advice from the Council of State. The process for removing someone is the same as for superior court judges.
The Chairperson’s terms are the same as those of Court of Appeal justices, while the deputies’ tenure are the same as those of High Court judges. This ensures legal safeguards during any removal process.
Kwakye Ofosu reassured the public that the Chief Justice will act transparently and follow established legal procedures in reviewing the petitions.
Ghanaian stakeholders are keenly awaiting this review to see if the EC leadership and the Special Prosecutor would stay in office or be ousted.
