Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana, has called on electoral officials to maintain professionalism, transparency, and integrity in their roles during the December 7 elections. Speaking on Thursday, December 5, Mensa underscored the moral and professional responsibility entrusted to election workers, reminding them of their accountability to both the nation and a higher power.
Upholding Electoral Integrity
In her address, the EC Chair clarified the role of the Commission and its officials, stating:
“Our collective roles – yours and ours – is not to make anybody a President or a Member of Parliament. Ours is to conduct orderly, credible, fair, and highly professional and efficient elections. That is what we have all been employed to do and that is what we have employed you to do.”
She urged officials to adhere to the Commission’s guidelines, including wearing gloves during vote counting and properly posting Pink Sheets at polling stations, emphasizing the critical nature of their tasks.
The Importance of Presiding Officers
Mensa highlighted the pivotal role of Presiding Officers in determining the election outcome, stressing the accuracy and professionalism required in counting votes and filling forms. She noted, “Your work at the Polling Stations, which culminates with the Pink Sheets, is what determines the outcome of the election. We urge you to do it with integrity and truth and let God’s light guide you.”
A Call to Accountability
The EC Chair reminded officials of their ultimate accountability to God, urging them to act truthfully and with fairness in all their duties. She stated, “Let us all remember, you and us alike, that at the end of the day, we will be answerable to God for our actions and our activities. Let us remember that God will judge us for all we do.”
Building Trust in the Electoral Process
Mensa’s address comes at a critical time, reinforcing the need for impartiality and professionalism to ensure the credibility of the electoral process. Her appeal to divine accountability and personal integrity serves as a reminder of the weight of responsibility borne by electoral officials.
The EC’s efforts to instill discipline and transparency among its workforce aim to bolster public confidence as the nation approaches the polls.
