Parliament invitation came late, Jean Mensa was out of the jurisdiction

The Electoral Commission claims that because the request from parliament to inform the house on a constitutional amendment that would have made the Ghanacard the only source document for voter registration arrived too late, the chairperson, Mrs. Jean Mensa, was unable to directly accept it.

“The Commission, especially its Chairperson, understands the importance of the institution of parliament, having worked with parliament for two decades prior to her appointment as Chairperson of the EC” the statement added.

“The Chairperson upholds the institution of parliament and will, therefore, not disrespect it in any way”.
“The fact remains that the invitation from parliament was sent a day before the meeting, at a time when the Chairperson was out of the jurisdiction”.

“She certainly would have prioritized the meeting and attended upon the honorable house,” the EC said. “Had she been informed of the request prior to her travel.”

The President of the House, Mr. Alban Bagbin, called Mrs. Mensa to appear in person via C.I. last week.
Mr. Bagbin demanded the Commission Chair herself attend despite one of Mrs. Mensa’s aides accepting the invitation on Thursday for that purpose because, in the Speaker’s opinion, Dr. Bossman Asare is unable to provide the confidence the houses need to hear.

After Opposition Leader Cassiel Ato Forson insisted that Mrs. Mensa be present in the chamber for herself, a summons was issued.

Dr. Bossman Asare should represent the election management organization, insisted Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, since the offer was made to the EC as an institution.

However, Mr. Bagbin asserted that Mrs. Mensa must accept the offer in person.

Read the EC’s response to parliament:

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com