The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rejected the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), citing concerns about her alleged political affiliations with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a statement signed by its National Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the NPP called on President John Dramani Mahama to withdraw the appointment, arguing that the political background of officials serving on the Electoral Commission could affect public confidence in the country’s electoral process.
President Mahama swore in Mrs Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the EC on Monday, October 12, 2026, to fill vacancies created by the departure of their predecessors.
The NPP’s objection centres on claims that Mrs Agbenyo served as the NDC’s governance sector spokesperson during the preparation of the party’s 2024 manifesto and participated in its campaign activities.
According to the party, her alleged involvement in partisan political activities raises questions about her ability to discharge her responsibilities independently at an institution mandated to oversee elections.
The NPP said it had videos showing Mrs Agbenyo speaking at NDC campaign rallies and wearing party-branded clothing while advocating for the party.
The party described her appointment to the Electoral Commission’s senior leadership as unacceptable, given the institution’s responsibility to administer elections impartially.
NPP cites Mahama’s 2023 position
The opposition party also referred to comments made by President Mahama in March 2023, when he criticised the appointment of individuals he described as political activists to the Electoral Commission under the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
At the time, Mr Mahama proposed amending Article 43(2) of the 1992 Constitution to require parliamentary approval for appointments to the Commission.
The NPP argues that the President’s decision to appoint Mrs Agbenyo contradicts the position he expressed while in opposition.
It has therefore urged the government to use the ongoing constitutional review process to reconsider the appointment framework for Electoral Commission members.
Concerns over public confidence
The NPP maintains that public confidence in the Electoral Commission is essential to the credibility of elections and the stability of Ghana’s democracy.
The party warned that doubts about the neutrality of the Commission’s leadership could lead to heightened scrutiny of electoral processes, including voter registration, constituency boundary decisions and the declaration of election results.
It argued that officials entrusted with overseeing elections must not only act impartially but must also command public confidence in their independence.
The statement further alleged that Mrs Agbenyo’s political affiliations could raise concerns about the transparency and fairness of decisions taken in her capacity as Deputy Chairperson.
These assertions represent the NPP’s position on the appointment. The party’s concerns do not, in themselves, establish that Mrs Agbenyo would perform her duties in a partisan manner.
Party calls on Council of State to explain its advice
In addition to demanding that President Mahama withdraw the appointment, the NPP has called on the Council of State to explain the advice it provided in connection with the selection process.
The party said greater clarity about the considerations underlying the appointment would help address public concerns and strengthen confidence in the process.
The NPP also criticised remarks it attributed to Mr Asamoah in his acceptance speech, describing them as troubling and alleging that they reflected a partisan agenda.
However, the statement did not provide specific details of the remarks in question.
NPP vows to protect electoral integrity
The party said it would use all lawful means available to protect the integrity of Ghana’s electoral system.
It also appealed to civil society organisations, religious bodies, the media and other stakeholders to support calls for greater transparency and reforms aimed at strengthening the independence of the Electoral Commission.
The NPP’s demands come as the newly appointed deputy chairpersons begin their work at the Commission, with attention focused on the institution’s independence and its role in preparing for future elections.
President Mahama, during the swearing-in ceremony, urged the new appointees to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour towards any political party or candidate.
The debate over Mrs Agbenyo’s appointment is expected to keep the question of political neutrality and public confidence in Ghana’s electoral management system in the spotlight.
