The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to withdraw the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC), raising concerns about her alleged political ties to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a statement signed by its National Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the opposition party argued that the political background of individuals occupying senior positions at the Electoral Commission could influence public perceptions of the institution’s independence and undermine confidence in Ghana’s electoral system.
President Mahama swore in Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission on Monday, October 12, 2026. Their appointments were intended to fill vacancies left by their predecessors.
NPP Raises Concerns Over Agbenyo’s Alleged NDC Connections
The NPP’s objection centres on allegations that Mrs Agbenyo previously served as the NDC’s governance sector spokesperson during preparations for the party’s 2024 manifesto and participated in its political campaign activities.
According to the opposition party, it possesses video recordings allegedly showing Agbenyo addressing NDC campaign rallies and wearing clothing bearing the party’s branding while campaigning for its political agenda.
The NPP maintains that these alleged activities raise questions about whether she can perform her responsibilities independently at an institution constitutionally mandated to supervise elections and ensure a fair electoral process.
The party has described her appointment to the Electoral Commission’s senior leadership as inappropriate, insisting that public officials responsible for managing elections must demonstrate impartiality and maintain the confidence of all political parties.
However, the allegations represent the NPP’s position and do not, on their own, establish that Agbenyo will perform her duties in a partisan manner.
NPP Accuses Mahama of Inconsistency Over EC Appointments
The opposition party has also questioned what it considers a contradiction between President Mahama’s current decision and comments he reportedly made in March 2023 regarding appointments to the Electoral Commission.
At the time, Mahama criticised the appointment of individuals he described as political activists to the Commission under the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
He also proposed an amendment to Article 43(2) of the 1992 Constitution to introduce parliamentary approval for appointments to the Electoral Commission.
The NPP argues that President Mahama’s appointment of Agbenyo conflicts with the position he expressed while in opposition.
Consequently, the party has urged the government to use the ongoing constitutional review process to reconsider the framework governing the appointment of Electoral Commission members.
NPP Warns About Public Confidence in Ghana’s Electoral Commission
The NPP has stressed that public confidence in the Electoral Commission is essential to maintaining credible elections, democratic stability and trust in Ghana’s electoral management system.
According to the party, concerns about the political neutrality of senior EC officials could lead to increased public scrutiny of important electoral activities, including voter registration, constituency boundary reviews and the declaration of election results.
The opposition maintains that officials entrusted with managing elections must not only act independently but must also command public confidence in their ability to make impartial decisions.
It further alleges that questions surrounding Agbenyo’s political background could raise concerns about the transparency and fairness of decisions taken during her tenure as Deputy Chairperson.
Nevertheless, the NPP’s concerns remain allegations rather than established evidence that the newly appointed official will compromise the Commission’s independence.
Party Calls on Council of State to Explain Appointment Process
Beyond demanding the withdrawal of Agbenyo’s appointment, the NPP has called on the Council of State to clarify the advice it provided during the selection process.
The party believes that greater transparency regarding the considerations behind the appointment would help address public concerns and strengthen confidence in the process used to select Electoral Commission officials.
The NPP has also criticised remarks it attributed to Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah during his acceptance speech, describing them as troubling and alleging that they suggested a partisan agenda.
However, the party’s statement did not provide specific details of the remarks it was challenging.
The opposition party has pledged to pursue all lawful avenues available to protect the integrity of Ghana’s electoral system.
It has also appealed to civil society organisations, religious institutions, the media and other stakeholders to support calls for transparency and reforms aimed at strengthening the independence of the Electoral Commission.
Mahama Urges Newly Appointed EC Deputy Chairpersons to Be Impartial
During the swearing-in ceremony, President Mahama urged the newly appointed Deputy Chairpersons to carry out their constitutional duties without fear or favour towards any political party or candidate.
The President’s directive comes amid growing political debate over the neutrality of electoral officials and the procedures governing appointments to Ghana’s election management body.
As Agbenyo and Asamoah begin their work at the Electoral Commission, attention is expected to remain on the institution’s independence, public accountability and preparations for future elections.
The controversy has renewed discussions about whether Ghana’s existing appointment framework provides sufficient safeguards to protect the Electoral Commission from partisan influence and maintain public trust in the country’s democratic institutions.
Source: newsthemegh.com