Remove the Entire EC Leadership Now – Asiedu Nketia declares

Accra, Ghana – April 17, 2025 — The National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has stirred fresh political debate with his call for the complete removal of the leadership of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana.

In a candid interview conducted in Twi on Radio Gold, Mr. Asiedu Nketia reiterated his long-standing position that Ghana’s democratic institutions need a reset — beginning with the top brass of the EC. His comments come in the aftermath of the NDC’s victory in the 2024 general elections, but he insists the win does not absolve the EC of accountability.

“I was the one who initiated discussions on the need to remove heads of some key state institutions — the Electoral Commission being one of them. The fact that we (NDC) won the election doesn’t mean the EC Chair is now an angel,” he said.
“If it were up to me, I would have the entire leadership of the EC removed.”

Who Runs the Electoral Commission?

Currently chaired by Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensa, the Electoral Commission is constitutionally mandated to oversee all public elections and referenda in Ghana. Mrs. Mensa, a seasoned legal and governance expert, was appointed in 2018 and has led the commission through two general elections, both marked by political tension and accusations of bias.

She is supported by two deputy commissioners:

• Dr. Bossman Eric Asare, a former head of the Political Science Department at the University of Ghana, now overseeing Corporate Services at the EC.

• Mr. Samuel Tettey, a career election officer who manages the Commission’s operations and has held several roles within the EC since the early 2000s.

Other members of the Commission include:

• Rev. Akua Ofori-Boateng, an Anglican priest with a rich academic and technical background;

• Hajia Salima Ahmed Tijani, an expert in finance and development currently working with ADB Bank PLC.

The EC’s Constitutional Autonomy

Per Article 46 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, the EC is an independent body not subject to the control or direction of any external authority. Its seven-member structure comprises a chairperson, two deputy chairpersons, and four other members, all enjoying security of tenure similar to justices of the Superior Courts.

This autonomy, however, does not insulate the Commission from public criticism, especially from political actors who perceive bias or unfairness in its operations.

Political and Public Reaction

Asiedu Nketia’s remarks have generated divided opinions. While some members of the NDC support his proposal, critics argue that such a sweeping move would set a dangerous precedent and threaten the independence of the EC.

Analysts say any changes to the EC’s composition must be handled delicately to preserve public trust in Ghana’s electoral system.

The Bigger Picture

This is not the first time the EC has come under fire from the NDC. Following the controversial 2020 elections, the party accused the Commission of electoral malpractice — a claim it revived during the 2024 elections. While the party eventually secured a win, Asiedu Nketia and other leaders remain vocal about the need for institutional reforms.

Whether these calls will translate into policy or constitutional change remains to be seen. However, they have once again placed the Electoral Commission at the heart of Ghana’s democratic discourse.