Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, has firmly rejected demands for President-elect John Dramani Mahama to remove the Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Jean Adukwei Mensa, and the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, from their positions. Blay has described such calls as impractical, lacking legal basis, and fueled by political motivations.
In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen program on Monday, Blay expressed doubts about the legal foundation of these demands. “Those calling for their removal are just blowing hot air. I don’t believe John will do that. They are just talking. They don’t take the time to know the law,” he stated.
Blay further explained that the removal of high-ranking officials like the EC Chairperson and the Chief Justice requires a formal petition backed by evidence of misconduct, leading to impeachment. “If she has done something bad and you can prove it, then fine—but how do you just remove her?” he queried, challenging the practicality of such calls.
Blay also expressed confidence that President-elect Mahama would not pursue these actions. “Go ahead and try. Unless you walk into their offices and force them out—which is not how it works. But knowing John for who he is, I don’t believe he will go to that extent to sack them,” he added.
The comments come amid mounting criticism from members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of Mahama’s January 7, 2024, inauguration.
Some NDC critics have accused Jean Mensa of partisanship and incompetence and Chief Justice Torkornoo of bias. Joyce Bawah Mogtari, spokesperson for Mahama, recently called for Mensa’s resignation, citing “partisanship, lack of credibility, and a lack of integrity.”
However, Blay believes the calls are unrealistic and politically charged. “If the NDC wants to push for that, they can go ahead. But John Mahama won’t go to that extent,” he reiterated.
Source: InsiderGH.com
