-BY Daniel Bampoe
The latest call by Franklin Cudjoe and his think tank, IMANI Africa, for the removal of Ghana’s Electoral Commission Chairperson, Jean Mensa, has ignited a deeper political storm — raising questions about motives, credibility, and the potential politicization of civil society advocacy.
Though IMANI presents its current petition to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) as a transparency crusade, there is growing speculation that the move is a calculated effort aimed at unseating Jean Mensa — potentially at the behest of the current Mahama administration.
The CHRAJ Petition
IMANI’s petition accuses the Electoral Commission of gross mismanagement and illegal disposal of biometric electoral equipment — including fingerprint scanners, verification devices, cameras, and laptops — some allegedly valued over $3,000 each.
He says these devices, part of the Biometric Voter Management System (BVMS), were discarded while still functional and without public notice, in violation of the Public Procurement Act.
In particular, Franklin Cudjoe alleges that some of the discarded machines ended up at Electro Recycling Ghana, a facility lacking certification for secure data disposal.
He warns that this creates significant data security risks, given that the devices stored sensitive voter biometric data.
Yet, the EC in its previous encounter has maintained it followed all legal procedures, including obtaining clearance from the Ministry of Finance and hiring approved auctioneers.
EC’s Director of Training, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, had dismissed the allegations, stating, “We have not committed any offence. The documents are there.”
He added that the devices were obsolete and the auction followed all due legal and environmental protocols, including EPA approval for the recycling company.
The SALL Controversy
This latest IMANI offensive revives a long-running feud between Franklin Cudjoe and the Electoral Commission.
The roots trace back to the 2020 parliamentary elections, when residents of the newly created Guan District (SALL) were unable to vote for a Member of Parliament.
Cudjoe accused the EC of disenfranchising the area through what it described as a deliberate, politically motivated decision.
IMANI-Cudjoe, in multiple public statements, claimed the EC acted “clandestinely” and “in a roguish manner” to deprive SALL residents of representation.
The EC has consistently rebutted these claims, explaining that parliamentary voting was not possible due to the legal and administrative timelines surrounding the creation of the new district.
A recent EC statement insisted it “performed its constitutional duties” and had no authority to determine the parliamentary calendar.
Despite these explanations and the EC’s May 15, 2024 press release supported by documents, Franklin Cudjoe continues to cite the December 6, 2020 public notice as evidence of wrongdoing — a stance the Commission describes as “misleading and false.”
Political Contract Allegations Surface
Recent intelligence reports from the seat of government, reported by Whispers Media Network, suggest that Franklin Cudjoe and IMANI Africa may be executing a coordinated campaign on behalf of President Mahama’s administration to oust the Jean Mensa-led EC.
The report alleged that CHRAJ is expected to deliver a favourable verdict, paving the way for a formal removal process — reminiscent of recent events involving the suspended Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo.
If true, these claims suggest that IMANI’s boss actions may not be entirely altruistic, raising ethical concerns about the role of think tanks in governance advocacy.
It also hints at a deeper political strategy within the Mahama administration to neutralize key institutional heads perceived as obstacles ahead of the 2028 general elections.
What’s Next?
CHRAJ has acknowledged receipt of IMANI’s petition and is expected to begin a preliminary review.
Whether the watchdog will escalate the matter into a full-scale investigation — and whether that investigation would be seen as impartial — remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, the EC says it remains focused on its constitutional duties and has urged the public to disregard what it calls “a false narrative” driven by Franklin Cudjoe.
