Mahama Swears In Two EC Deputies Amid Partisanship Row

President John Mahama swore in Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission on 12 October 2026. They fill vacancies left by the resignation of Dr Bossman Eric Asare and the retirement of Samuel Tettey. The President urged them to perform their duties without preferential treatment for any party or government.

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) immediately criticised Agbenyo's appointment. NPP Communications Director Dennis Miracles Aboagye described her as an openly partisan operative and a campaign team member, arguing the choice undermines the Commission's independence. The presidency countered that she has never been a card-bearing NDC member and her campaign involvement stemmed from gender inclusion advocacy.

“I just want an Electoral Commission that does not endanger democratic ethos and values. Persons who are independent, persons who are competent.”

MP Haruna Iddrisu defended the appointment as constitutionally appropriate under Article 45 but acknowledged critics' right to question it. He noted Agbenyo served as an NDC spokesperson on governance during the 2024 elections and recently worked under his Ministry at TVET Services. Iddrisu called for legislation to define eligibility thresholds for EC appointees beyond constitutional provisions.

Civil society group Mindset Transformation Initiative (MTI) argued the controversy highlights a deeper dilemma: the difficulty of finding politically unblemished individuals in a society where parties influence professional networks. MTI warned that excessive focus on perceived neutrality risks neglecting stronger institutional safeguards needed to protect electoral integrity.