Mahama’s deputy EC appointments spark debate over political neutrality and electoral independence

Story by: Regina Bless

President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kweku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) has sparked debate over political neutrality, institutional independence and public confidence in the country’s electoral process.

The two officials were sworn into office on Monday, October 12, 2026, to fill vacancies created by the resignation of Dr Bossman Eric Asare and the retirement of Samuel Tettey. Dr Asamoah previously served in several senior positions at the EC, including Director of Finance, Director of the Training Centre and Head of Audit. He is also a law lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Agbenyo previously served as Deputy Director for Operations at the Ghana TVET Service.

The appointments are intended to fill the vacancies in the Commission’s leadership and support its electoral responsibilities.

Controversy over Agbenyo’s political background

The appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo has attracted criticism from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), particularly over her previous involvement in the activities of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The NPP’s Director of Communications, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has questioned her suitability for the position, citing her participation in NDC campaign activities and her role as a spokesperson for the party’s 2024 manifesto committee on governance. He argues that appointing someone with such a political background to a senior position at the EC raises questions about the Commission’s independence and impartiality.

The concerns are significant because the Electoral Commission is expected to administer elections fairly, without favouring the governing party or the opposition.

However, the presidency has defended the appointment. Presidential staffer Beatrice Annan has maintained that Agbenyo is not, and has never been, a card-bearing member of the NDC. She argues that her participation in political activities should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that she would be biased in the performance of her duties. Her supporters have also pointed to her professional experience and work in gender advocacy.

The disagreement therefore centres on whether previous political involvement should disqualify someone from serving in an institution whose credibility depends on impartiality.

Mahama calls for fairness and impartiality

At the swearing-in ceremony, President Mahama urged the new Deputy Chairpersons to discharge their duties without fear or favour. He stressed that the EC must apply the same standards to all political parties and candidates.

The President stated that he expected no preferential treatment for himself, his party or his government, emphasising that the Commission must protect the right of Ghanaians to choose their leaders freely.

His comments underline the responsibility placed on the new appointees to demonstrate independence through their decisions and conduct.

Should political affiliation matter in EC appointments?

The controversy raises a broader question about whether individuals who have openly supported a political party should be appointed to senior positions within the Electoral Commission.

On one hand, political participation is a democratic right, and supporting a political party does not necessarily mean a person is incapable of acting professionally or impartially. A person may possess the necessary qualifications, experience and integrity to serve the country regardless of their previous political activities.

On the other hand, the EC occupies a particularly sensitive position in Ghana’s democracy. Its decisions can influence public confidence in elections and the peaceful transfer of political power. Consequently, appointments to its leadership must be subjected to careful scrutiny, especially where an appointee has previously played a visible role in a party’s campaign or political communication.

Even where there is no evidence of actual bias, the perception of partisanship can create doubts about the fairness of the electoral process.

A question of consistency

The controversy also invites political parties to examine the consistency of their positions on electoral appointments. Parties that criticise the appointment of politically affiliated individuals when in opposition should be prepared to apply the same standards when they assume power.

The credibility of democratic institutions should not depend on which party controls the presidency. The same principles of transparency, fairness and independence must apply to every administration.

Conclusion

The appointment of the two Deputy Chairpersons has brought renewed attention to the importance of protecting the independence of Ghana’s Electoral Commission.

Ultimately, the issue is not simply whether an appointee has previously supported a political party, but whether the appointment process inspires confidence and whether the individual can demonstrate impartiality in office.

Ghanaians will expect the new Deputy Chairpersons to prove through their actions that electoral rules will be applied equally, concerns will be addressed transparently, and no political party will receive preferential treatment.

For a country whose democratic stability depends heavily on public trust in elections, the independence of the Electoral Commission must be protected not only in principle but also in practice.