John Mahama swears in two new Electoral Commission Deputy Chairpersons

President John Dramani Mahama swore in Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr. Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission (EC) on October 12, 2026. During the ceremony at Jubilee House, the President emphasized that the appointments were made in accordance with the 1992 Constitution to fill vacancies created by the resignation of Dr. Bossman Asare and the retirement of Samuel Tettey. President Mahama charged the new officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity and impartiality, stressing that the commission’s independence is vital for maintaining public trust in Ghana’s democratic processes and ensuring that every valid vote is accurately counted.

The backgrounds of the two appointees provide a mixture of internal expertise and external administrative experience. Dr. Asamoah is a veteran of electoral administration, having previously served as the EC’s Director of Finance. Ms. Agbenyo brings a background in public administration, technical education, and gender advocacy. However, her appointment has immediately drawn intense scrutiny from the opposition and civil society. Critics point to her past involvement as a spokesperson for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 campaign as evidence of potential partisan bias that could compromise her neutrality in the role.

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has formally rejected Agbenyo’s appointment, with Communications Director Dennis Miracles Aboagye labeling it "shameful" and a threat to the integrity of the 2028 general elections. The party has called for an immediate withdrawal of her nomination, citing a conflict of interest. In defense of the move, government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu argued that the appointment was intended to "tilt the balance" and correct perceived partisan imbalances within the commission. Meanwhile, Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu maintained that while the appointment is constitutionally appropriate, there is a legitimate public right to question the political backgrounds of such appointees.

Amid the political friction, the new Deputy Chairpersons have pledged to focus on restoring public confidence in the electoral body. Dr. Asamoah acknowledged the importance of combating misinformation and ensuring transparent proceedings to strengthen the electoral system. As the Commission prepares for upcoming district assembly elections and a national referendum, the appointments have reignited calls for legislative reforms to establish more rigid qualification criteria for EC members. The focus now shifts to whether the new leadership can demonstrate the strict neutrality demanded by the President during their tenure.