2020 election petition: Shielding EC Chair from accountability shameful –Justice Saeed Gyan

A former Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Saeed Kwaku Gyan has expressed his dismay at the Supreme Court’s handling of the 2020 Election Petition.

Justice Gyan accused the Ghana’s apex court of what he sees as shielding of Electoral Commissioner, Jean Mensa from being held accountable for her role in the election process.

During a public lecture organized by Solidare Ghana in collaboration with the University of Ghana, Justice Gyan criticized the Court’s decision to prevent Jean Mensa from testifying. The event, held under the theme “Protecting Our Democracy: The Role of the Judiciary,” provided a platform for the former judge to voice his concerns.

In his address to the audience at the University of Ghana, Justice Gyan emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency in the democratic process.

He argued that Jean Mensa should have been allowed to testify to provide an account of the electoral process to the people of Ghana.

“The Electoral Commissioner was the returning officer. She was accountable to the people of this country. And the Supreme Court ought to have allowed her to go into the witness box and account for the people of this country. They shielded to the detriment of our country for today, and maybe for tomorrow,” he said on Tuesday, October 24.

Justice Gyan expressed his disappointment in the Supreme Court’s reluctance to hold institutions accountable and suggested that this decision might have long-lasting consequences for the nation.

“And it is a very, very shameful situation. It doesn’t show that our Supreme Court is prepared to make our institutions accountable. If they cannot vote, even the EC accountable, how can they hold the President accountable.”

His remarks shed light on the ongoing discussions surrounding the role of the judiciary in safeguarding democracy, and they serve as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

About the 2020 petition

The case was filed by the NDC’s 2020 Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama.

He is the former President of Ghana who lost the 2016 election and contested in the 2020 polls with the hope of capturing power

In accordance with the rules governing the hearing of petitions in Ghana, Mr. Mahama named Ghana’s electoral management body, Electoral Commission and Nana Akufo-Addo as respondents.