NPP Demands Withdrawal of Emelia Agbenyo’s Appointment as Deputy EC Chair

The New Patriotic Party has called on President John Dramani Mahama to withdraw the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, arguing that her previous political activities could undermine confidence in the institution.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, and signed by National Communications Director Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the opposition party questioned whether Agbenyo could command the trust of all political parties ahead of the 2028 general elections.

The NPP cited her role as a governance sector spokesperson during the preparation of the National Democratic Congress’s 2024 manifesto. It also alleged that she participated in campaign rallies and publicly promoted the governing party.

According to the opposition party, the responsibilities of an electoral commissioner require political impartiality beyond professional qualifications. It warned that perceptions of bias could affect public confidence in voter registration, electoral boundary decisions and the declaration of results.

The NPP further accused Mahama of departing from his earlier position on appointments to the Commission, referring to his criticism in 2023 of individuals he described as political activists being appointed to the electoral body.

Agbenyo was sworn into office on Monday, October 12, alongside Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah. They filled vacancies created by the resignation of Dr Bossman Eric Asare, who returned to academia at the University of Ghana, and the retirement of Samuel Tettey.

Before her appointment, Agbenyo served as Deputy Director for Operations at the Ghana TVET Service. Asamoah previously worked as the Electoral Commission’s Director of Finance.

The criticism has drawn a response from the governing NDC. Guan MP Fred Agbenyo accused the NPP of applying double standards, arguing that it had made comparable appointments during the Akufo-Addo administration.

At the swearing-in ceremony, Mahama directed the new deputies to exercise their responsibilities independently and without favoring any political party, candidate or government. He said neither he nor his administration should receive preferential treatment from the Commission.

Source: Omanghana