<<Print>>

Madam Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) says the commission cannot act independently because donor partners.

According to her, the Commission often depends on donor partners to fund its activities, compromising its independence in the end.

Speaking at the 17th International Electoral Affairs Symposium, Madam Mensa said: "our elections are fast becoming a very expensive venture and we constantly have to rely on development partners to fund this thereby compromising our independence. In 2016 for example, the cost of elections in Ghana was $12.03 per voter, compared to $9.33 per voter in Nigeria (2015) and $5 per voter in Tanzania (2015)".

“Indeed, it is the midwife that births a democracy. It provides legitimacy to our leaders and democratic institutions and therefore needs not only to be maintained but more importantly to be fortified.”

She also added that "it is essential that political parties freely participate in the electoral process and crucial that the right of citizens to express their preference is protected
and guaranteed. We the Electoral Commission of Ghana are committed to these ideals"