Okoe Boye: Calls to Remove Jean Mensa Are Politically Motivated

Former Health Minister Bernard Okoe Boye has described petitions seeking the removal of Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa and her deputies as politically motivated, following a ruling by the Chief Justice that there is no prima facie case to warrant further investigation.

Paul Baffoe-Bonnie determined that the petitions filed against the Electoral Commissioner, her deputies, and the Special Prosecutor failed to establish sufficient grounds for further action.

Dr. Okoe Boye argued that calls for Jean Mensa’s removal stem more from partisan dissatisfaction than an objective evaluation of her performance.

Drawing parallels with past events, he suggested that lingering resentment over the removal of former Electoral Commission Chairperson Charlotte Osei may be influencing the current criticisms. According to him, Jean Mensa had no involvement in Osei’s dismissal and should be judged based on her conduct and record in office rather than political affiliations.

Dr. Okoe Boye cited the Assin North by-election as an example of the Commission’s neutrality. He noted that although the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) was in power at the time, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) won the seat convincingly.

He further pointed to the most recent general election, describing the process as transparent and efficient. According to him, results were declared swiftly, and the presidential candidate of the incumbent government conceded defeat within hours based on his own assessment.

While defending the Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Okoe Boye proposed constitutional reforms aimed at reducing the politicisation of appointments to key independent state institutions.