Jean Mensa’s double standards over forensic audit of register exposed

Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Adukwei Mensa, has been exposed for her double standards regarding the call for a forensic audit of the voter register.

This scrutiny arises from a 2015 directive issued by Jane Mensa, as head of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), urging the EC to proactively engage an independent body to audit the electoral roll due to allegations of irregularities.

In her 2015 communiqué, Madam Mensa emphasized the importance of accountability, stating that while Article 46 of the Constitution protects the EC from external control, it remains accountable to the public.

She highlighted existing irregularities in the voter register and called for a consensus among stakeholders to address these issues. Mensa proposed purging the register and compiling a new one based on existing data, advocating for best practices from countries like Kenya to deter electoral fraud.

Fast forward to 2024, the situation has shifted dramatically. The EC, now headed by Jean Mensa, has rejected calls from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for an independent audit of the voter register, labeling such requests as misguided.

The Commission argues that its established processes, including a voters’ exhibition exercise designed to identify and correct discrepancies, are sufficient for maintaining the integrity of the electoral roll.

The stark contrast between Mensa’s past recommendations and her current stance has raised questions among Ghanaians about her commitment to ensuring a credible electoral process for the upcoming elections.

Critics are demanding clarity on why the same Jean Mensa who once advocated for an independent audit now appears resistant to similar scrutiny. As tensions rise, many are left wondering how this will impact public trust in the electoral system ahead of the critical 2024 elections.