Former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Professor Stephen Adei, has raised concerns about the potential implications of removing key institutional heads upon a change in government.
Speaking on TV3's Hot Issues, he cautioned against any moves by President-elect John Dramani Mahama to remove Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, and Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, arguing that such actions would set a dangerous precedent for Ghana's democracy. "It will be disastrous," Professor Adei stated emphatically. "He will be consolidating a very bad practice which will not augur well for Ghana's future, whereby every president basically appoints a new EC.
We must find a way not to destroy our institutions." His comments come amidst growing speculation that Mahama's administration may overhaul leadership in some key state institutions.
While political transitions often bring new appointments, critics argue that targeting heads of independent bodies such as the Electoral Commission and the judiciary could erode public trust and weaken democratic governance.