Presidency forwards petitions against EC bosses, Kissi Agyebeng to Chief Justice

The Presidency has forwarded ten separate petitions filed against the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, her two deputies, and Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng to the Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, for consideration.

The Minister in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, disclosed this during the Government Accountability Series held in Accra on Wednesday.

According to him, President John Dramani Mahama has fully discharged his constitutional responsibility by transmitting the petitions and will take no further action unless required after the Chief Justice’s assessment.

“Unlike petitions against the Chief Justice, the President’s role in matters concerning the Special Prosecutor and the Electoral Commission ends once the petitions are forwarded to the appropriate authority, which is the Chief Justice. That process was completed a couple of weeks ago,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained.

He indicated that seven of the petitions are directed at the EC Chairperson and her two deputies, while three target the Special Prosecutor.

“The President has no further role at this stage. Only after the Chief Justice determines whether a prima facie case exists will the President be required to act,” he added.

The petitions, submitted by individuals and civil society organisations, allege accountability and administrative lapses against the EC leadership. Those against the Special Prosecutor cite claims of incompetence and abuse of office.

Under Section 16 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), petitions seeking the removal of a Special Prosecutor must be transmitted by the President to the Chief Justice within seven days of receipt.

The Chief Justice is then mandated to determine within 30 days whether a prima facie case exists. If established, a three-member committee is constituted to investigate the claims and submit its recommendations to the President.

The outcome of the Chief Justice’s review will determine whether the petitions proceed to a full inquiry under the constitutional process.