Jean Mensah Under Pressure for Alleged Withholding of Temporary Staff Payments Amid Gh¢786.9M Election Funds

The Electoral Commission (EC) is facing mounting criticism after revelations that it has failed to pay temporary staff hired for the December 2024 general elections, despite receiving full funding of Gh¢786.9 million for the polls.

Six months after the elections, hundreds of temporary workers—including presiding officers, verification officers, and polling assistants—claim they have yet to receive their allowances. The delay has sparked outrage, with accusations that the EC is deliberately withholding funds to invest in treasury bills for profit.

EC Chairperson Jean Adukwei Mensa has not publicly addressed the allegations, but sources within the Commission suggest that a portion of the election funds was placed in short-term government securities to earn interest. Critics argue that this move, if true, constitutes a misuse of public funds at the expense of vulnerable workers who rendered crucial services during the elections.

Affected temporary staff have expressed frustration, with some threatening legal action.
“We worked day and night to ensure a smooth election, only to be treated like beggars,” lamented one presiding officer who spoke anonymously.
Civil society groups and opposition figures have also condemned the delay, demanding immediate payment and full accountability from the EC.

The Ministry of Finance has yet to comment on whether the EC’s funds were diverted into treasury bills. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on the Commission to provide clarity and settle outstanding payments without further delay.

As tensions rise, many are questioning: Did the EC prioritize profits over people?