By: Daniel Bampoe
The political landscape has entered another tense chapter as the Office of the President confirms the receipt of 10 separate petitions seeking the removal of Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Jean Mensa, and her two deputies, Dr. Eric Bossman Asare and Samuel Tettey.
The petitions, filed by private citizens, have thrust the nation back into heated conversations about accountability, electoral integrity, and the independence of state institutions.
The petitions have been forwarded to the Chief Justice for determination of prima facie.
The development comes at a time when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has intensified its criticism of the Electoral Commission and key accountability bodies, accusing them of bias and mismanagement.
The petitions—though not officially linked to any political group—have amplified an already polarised atmosphere ahead of crucial national governance reforms promised by the Mahama administration.
Rising Discontent With Key Accountability Institutions
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the Electoral Commission have both faced significant scrutiny in recent times.
Since taking office in 2021 following the resignation of the inaugural Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu, Kissi Agyebeng has been under public pressure to deliver high-profile corruption cases that many believe remain stalled.
His tenure has been characterised by a mix of high expectations and chronic challenges, including limited resources, legal setbacks, and accusations of overreach.
The Electoral Commission, led by Jean Mensa since 2018, has also endured persistent criticism—particularly from the NDC—over decisions relating to voter registration, election results management, and alleged administrative opacity.
Accusations of partisanship and procedural lapses have trailed the commission since the controversial 2020 general elections, despite repeated assurances of fairness and professionalism by the EC leadership.
It is against this backdrop that 10 petitioners have activated constitutional and statutory removal procedures to challenge the authority and conduct of these key officials.
Allegations Of Misconduct, Abuse of Office, and Poor Accountability
Presidency sources confirmed to Citi News that the petitioners accuse Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng of incompetence, abuse of office, and poor management of ongoing anti-corruption investigations.
Among the most cited incidents is the controversy surrounding former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, who was permitted to travel outside the country while under investigation—a decision that triggered heavy public criticism.
Prominent lawyers such as Martin Kpebu and Kweku Paintsil have repeatedly questioned Agyebeng’s leadership style, describing his handling of cases as legally problematic and overly media-driven.
A notable rebuke in 2023 by an Accra High Court judge, who accused the OSP of acting as though it held appellate authority over the judiciary, further dented the office’s reputation.
On the side of the Electoral Commission, the petitions claim that the Jean Mensa-led administration has mismanaged key aspects of electoral operations and failed to demonstrate adequate accountability in the stewardship of the country’s electoral processes.
These concerns, though long expressed by political actors, are now formally before the presidency as removal petitions.
Constitutional Procedure Activated: All Eyes on the Chief Justice
In line with Section 16 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act (Act 959) and Article 146 of the Constitution governing the removal of EC officials, President John Mahama has forwarded all petitions to the Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, as required by law.
The Chief Justice now has 30 days to examine the petitions and determine whether a prima facie case exists. If he finds sufficient grounds, a three-member committee will be set up to investigate the allegations.
The committee, which must be composed of a Supreme Court judge, a seasoned lawyer, and a professional with investigative experience, will have 90 days to complete its work and submit recommendations to the President—whose decision must follow those recommendations.
A Brewing Institutional Showdown
Though the petitioners remain unnamed, the timing and implications of the filings have stirred debate across the political fraternity.
For the NDC, which has maintained long-standing grievances with the EC leadership and questioned the effectiveness of the OSP, the petitions align with its calls for institutional overhaul.
For the ruling administration, the petitions may test President Mahama’s pledge to restore confidence in state institutions while respecting due process.
