EC won’t risk security through wrong decisions — Jean Mensa

The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mrs Jean Mensa, has given an assurance that the commission will not risk the country’s security through decisions it takes on any election.

She explained that the commission was fully aware that one wrong decision from its commissioners or officials could spark tension and throw the country into a state of conflict.

The Chairperson of the EC, Mrs Jean Mensa, gave the assurance when she led a team to visit the Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC) secretariat and later the office of the National Chief Imam in Accra last Tuesday.

The visit formed part of the commission's agenda to make its electoral process more open to the public and stakeholders.

Bishops conference

At the CBC secretariat, the EC team met with the leadership and had a fruitful dialogue on the various electoral reforms being rolled out by the commission.

The meeting also created a platform for the two institutions to discuss possible ways of working together to deepen the country's electoral process.

In attendance was the President of the CBC, Bishop Philip Naameh, and the EC’s two deputy commissioners—Dr Bossman Eric Asare and Mr Samuel Tettey.

Chief Imam’s office

The meeting at the Chief Imam’s office was attended by the Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Sharubutu and some executives from the Muslim community.

The two offices also agreed to work together in ensuring that Ghanaians understood the various electoral processes ahead of the 2020 election.

EC awareness

At the separate meetings, Mrs Mensa told the two groups that the commission was seeking to partner them and rely on their support ahead of the various upcoming elections.

She said the commission regarded the CBC and the Chief Imam’s outfit as two strong pillars of societal growth for which reason the EC would need their support in its quest to roll out the various electoral reforms.

Bishops

Earlier in his submission, Bishop Naameh said they were willing and prepared to assist the EC in carrying out its electoral mandate.

He stressed the need for the EC to intensify its education on electoral process so that the citizens would understand it and abide by the laws.

Chief Imam’s office

Sheikh Osmanu Sharubutu said his outfit was ready to join and assist the EC to educate Ghanaians on the need to adhere to electoral laws and observe peace.

He admonished the EC to be careful in rolling out its electoral reforms, bearing in mind that any wrong decision could generate chaos for Ghana.