• Demotes Dr. Serebour, Slashes Allowances
Jean Adukwei Mensa, Ghana’s unwavering Electoral Commissioner, has ignited a firestorm within the Electoral Commission (EC) by making unilateral decisions that have shocked and angered staff. In a bold move to assert her authority and redefine her legacy, Mensa has drastically revised the allowances and conditions of service for EC employees, causing widespread discontent and chaos.
Sources from within the Commission reveal that Mrs. Mensa, in her relentless pursuit to be remembered as the most efficient Commissioner in financial management, has cut allowances by a staggering nine points, reduced fuel allocations, and, in some instances, eliminated them entirely. This sweeping change has particularly affected the entitlements of the Commission’s workforce, including Regional Directors and District Officers, whose external duty allowances have been abruptly scrapped without explanation.
“This has thrown the Commission into complete disarray,” an insider reported, describing the atmosphere at the headquarters as tense and hostile. The internal turmoil has set the Commission on a collision course with its staff, threatening to disrupt its operations at a critical juncture.
One of the most contentious moves was the demotion of Dr. Serebour Quaicoue, a highly experienced Director of Electoral Affairs, who has been reassigned to a training role. “Dr. Serebour’s expertise is invaluable to the Commission, especially in an election year,” said the insider. “Yet, Jean Mensa seems determined to silence any dissenting voices through demotion.”
The present discord within the EC is alarming, as it undermines the unity and cooperation needed to conduct fair, transparent, and credible elections. The internal strife is seen as detrimental to the peace and integrity essential for the upcoming electoral processes.
Some staff of the Commission are of the view that Jean Mensa’s combative stance against dissent and her draconian measures will destabilize the Commission.
“Jean Mensa can’t effectively manage political parties with a divided Commission,” one observer noted, highlighting the impracticality of her approach amid growing unrest.
As the electoral body grapples with these internal conflicts, the impact on Ghana’s democratic processes remains to be seen. The ability of the EC to deliver on its mandate is now in question, raising concerns about the forthcoming elections and the overall health of the nation’s electoral integrity.
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