High tension gripped Ghana’s Parliament this week when lawmakers openly booed and heckled Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), during a stormy parliamentary session. The incident, which quickly went viral, was reportedly triggered by Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga, who spearheaded demands for greater transparency and accountability from the EC.
The uproar unfolded as Jean Mensa appeared before Parliament to address issues concerning the Commission’s readiness for the District Assembly elections and other electoral matters. The session came amid heightened tensions over voter registration controversies and allegations of bias within the EC.
Taking the floor, Mahama Ayariga accused the Commission of failing to provide Parliament with honest and detailed information about key electoral processes, including the accuracy of the voter register and the handling of election-related contracts. His sharp questions drew applause from some MPs and disapproval from others.
As Mensa attempted to respond, parts of the chamber erupted in murmurs that quickly turned into loud jeers and chants, with some legislators shouting for her to “tell Ghanaians the truth.” Witnesses described the chaotic moment as a reflection of deep-seated frustration among MPs who believe the EC has not been transparent enough.
Reactions across the country have been divided. Supporters commended Ayariga for his courage and insistence on accountability, while critics argued that the conduct of some MPs was disrespectful and diminished the dignity of Parliament.
Analysts say the episode underscores a growing sense of mistrust between the legislature and the EC and could influence how Parliament engages with independent bodies going forward. Some also view it as a warning sign ahead of the 2028 elections, where credibility and fairness will be under intense scrutiny.
The Electoral Commission has not yet commented publicly on the incident, but calls are mounting for clarification and restraint on both sides.
For now, Mahama Ayariga’s fiery challenge has captured national attention, positioning him as a champion of transparency — and sparking debate over whether Parliament’s confrontational approach marks the beginning of a new era of accountability in Ghana’s democratic process.
Source: Yawanews