Any move to remove Jean Mensa will be subject to law, not politicians – Edudzi Tamakloe

Acting CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) says any potential processes for removing Electoral Commission (EC) Chair Jean Mensa will not be at the instance of political demands.

According to him, any potential move will have to follow constitutional provisions.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, Tamakloe responded to NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia’s recent call for Jean Mensa’s removal, acknowledging his chairman’s strong views while highlighting legal boundaries.

“The views expressed by my National Chairman are views he has always expressed about the Commission. I remember vividly, my chair say, that Jean Mensa at IEA, had a lot of respect for her because she was basically the melting point for political parties. Subsequently, having become the commissioner, the conduct that she put up has never lived up to my national Chairman’s expectation both as General Secretary of our party and the national chairman.”

• Read also: ‘This EC is not fit for purpose’ – Asiedu Nketia demands EC overhaul

However, Mr Tamakloe added that “what is important is that anybody, be it the commissioners, of whoever, their removal processes are not at the whims and caprices of politicians. It is the constitution. So ultimately, the threshold that the Constitution sets, if that threshold is met, that is it.”

Referencing the petition by policy think tank IMANI Africa seeking Mensa’s removal, Mr Tamakloe noted that “IMANI is a think tank that has established credibility. I’ve never seen a think tank with such internal diversity.”

“Ultimately, any decision must comply with the 1992 Constitution.”

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