Mahama’s Brief Gesture Towards Jean Mensa Draws Attention At Jubilee House

President John Dramani Mahama’s brief interaction with Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa during an official photo session at Jubilee House has drawn attention following the swearing-in of two new Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission on October 12, 2026.

The moment occurred after the President administered the oath of office to Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah. The ceremony was followed by a photography session involving Mahama, the Vice President and the newly appointed officials.

When Jean Mensa was invited to join the group, she initially stood on the President’s left. Mahama then asked the photographers to pause and directed the EC Chairperson to move to his right, closer to the Vice President. Mensa complied with the instruction and took the position indicated by the President before the photograph was taken.

A later group photograph involving the families of the two newly sworn-in Deputy Chairpersons showed Mensa positioned closer to Mahama. She was also seen speaking with the President during the ceremony.

Akosua Otchere, a presidential correspondent and broadcast journalist with Citi FM and Channel One TV, was present at the event and later shared her interpretation of the exchange.

In her account, Otchere said Mahama had asked the photographers to hold on before directing that Mensa be moved to stand immediately to his left. She described the moment as significant, suggesting that seemingly small gestures can communicate recognition and the importance attached to particular public offices.

Otchere also commented on the atmosphere during Mensa’s visit to Jubilee House, saying the EC Chairperson appeared relaxed throughout her stay.

She further observed that exchanges of pleasantries involving Mensa and senior political figures, including National Democratic Congress Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, the Attorney General and Fifi Kwetey, were pleasant to watch.

The interaction took place at a formal state ceremony attended by senior officials and family members of the newly appointed Electoral Commission deputies. While the positioning during the photographs was brief, Otchere’s remarks drew attention to the symbolism that can be attached to protocol and public interactions involving high-ranking office holders.

Source: https://x.com/theghanaweb/status/2109921725706330555?s=46

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