By Dennis Awuni | Democracy News
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to withdraw the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), citing concerns about her political affiliations and ability to maintain neutrality in the management of elections.
In a statement dated October 13, 2026, and signed by its National Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the NPP questioned Ms Agbenyo’s appointment.
According to the party, her previous role as the NDC’s governance sector spokesperson during the preparation of its 2024 manifesto, as well as her reported participation in NDC campaign rallies, raised concerns about her political affiliations. Consequently, the NPP argued that these engagements could raise questions about her perceived neutrality as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission and potentially affect public confidence in the Commission’s independence.
The NPP said public confidence in the Electoral Commission depended on the perceived neutrality and independence of its leadership, warning that concerns about partisan affiliations could undermine trust in voter registration, electoral boundary decisions and the declaration of election results.
The party maintained that it would pursue all lawful means to protect the integrity of Ghana’s electoral system and urged civil society organisations, religious bodies, the media and the public to support its demand.
NPP cites Mahama’s previous position on EC appointments
The NPP also referred to comments attributed to President Mahama in March 2023, when he reportedly criticised the appointment of individuals described as political activists to the Electoral Commission.
According to the party, the President had called for Article 43(2) of the 1992 Constitution to be amended to require parliamentary approval for appointments to the Commission.
The NPP urged the government to use the ongoing constitutional review process to reform the appointment of EC members, arguing that changes were necessary to strengthen confidence in the electoral management body.
The party further alleged that Ms Agbenyo’s political background could affect perceptions of her professionalism, transparency and independence. These assertions represent the NPP’s position on the appointment.
Party questions remarks by second deputy EC chair
In the same statement, the NPP expressed concern about the acceptance speech delivered by Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah, the other newly appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.
The party described his remarks as troubling and alleged that they reflected a partisan agenda aligned with the NDC’s interests.
The NPP warned that statements perceived as politically partisan by members of the Commission could affect public confidence in the institution.
Mahama swears in two new deputy EC chairpersons
President Mahama on Monday swore into office Ms Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission.
They replace Dr Bossman Eric Asare, the former Deputy Chairperson responsible for Corporate Services, who resigned effective July 31, 2026, to pursue full-time academic work, and Samuel Tettey, the former Deputy Chairperson responsible for Operations, who retired upon reaching the compulsory retirement age of 65.
The NPP’s demand has brought renewed attention to the process for appointing members of Ghana’s Electoral Commission and the importance of public confidence in the institution’s independence.
The party has called for the appointments to be reconsidered and for reforms to be pursued through the constitutional review process.
