The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has debunked claims that the Chairperson, Jean Mensa, disrespected Parliament by not honouring an invitation from the House.
The EC boss was invited to brief the leadership of the House on the draft Constitutional Instrument (CI) on the registration of voters on Thursday, February 23, 2024.
Due to Madam Mensa’s absence from the House, the Minority in Parliament objected to the briefing by EC officials last Thursday.
The Member of Parliament for South Dayi further accused Madam Mensa of disrespect towards the work of Parliament.
He said the Minority lawmakers were not prepared to accept “the disrespect” of the EC Chair towards Parliament.
However, a statement issued by the Commission on Monday, February 27 said, “At the time, the Chairperson had travelled to Nigeria at the invitation of ECOWAS/ECONEC for a peer exchange and election observation mission.”
It added that “the Commission, especially its Chairperson, understands the importance of the institution of Parliament having worked with Parliament for two decades prior to her appointment as Chairperson of the EC. The Chairperson upholds the institution of Parliament and will, therefore, not disrespect it in any way.
“The fact remains that the invitation from Parliament was sent a day before the meeting, at a time when the Chairperson was out of the jurisdiction. Had she been aware of the request prior to her travel, she certainly would have prioritized the meeting and attended upon the Honourable House.”
