Professor Stephen Adei, a former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), has cautioned President-elect John Dramani Mahama against appointing a new Chairperson for the Electoral Commission (EC).

According to Professor Adei, Jean Mensa, the current EC Chairperson, should be allowed to continue her tenure to preserve institutional continuity and avoid setting a dangerous precedent.

Speaking during an interview with TV3 on Sunday, 23 December 2024, Professor Adei expressed concern that any attempt to replace Jean Mensa could be perceived as an attempt to politicise the Commission further.

He stressed that such a move would consolidate “a very bad practice” that would undermine Ghana’s democratic institutions and future governance.

“It will be disastrous, he will be consolidating a very bad practice which will not augur well for Ghana’s future whereby every president basically appoints a new EC…we must find a way not to destroy our institutions,” Professor Adei remarked.

He also urged the incoming administration to focus on strengthening institutional frameworks rather than seeking to make wholesale changes to key leadership positions.

Professor Adei’s comments come amidst tensions between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Electoral Commission over decisions made before and after the 2024 general elections.

Despite these disputes, he called on the President-elect to prioritise national unity and institutional integrity, warning that any drastic actions could erode public trust in the electoral process and democracy as a whole.