Presidential staffer Beatrice Annan has defended the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), arguing that participation in political campaigns does not establish partisan bias. Agbenyo's appointment, along with Dr Joseph Kweku Asamoah, has faced criticism from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). The NPP has raised concerns about Agbenyo's involvement in the National Democratic Congress (NDC)'s campaign activities and her position as a spokesperson for the party's manifesto committee on governance.
Annan maintained that Agbenyo had never been a card-bearing member of the NDC and showed no indication of bias in carrying out her responsibilities at the EC. "She is not a card-bearing member of the National Democratic Congress and has never been a card-bearing member of the National Democratic Congress," Annan said on Accra-based Citi FM. She added that Agbenyo had not demonstrated any potential bias or imminent bias.
Annan defended the process leading to the appointments, stating that the presidency complied with constitutional requirements. The nominees were submitted to the Council of State more than a month before their swearing-in, allowing the council time to consult relevant stakeholders. Annan explained that Agbenyo's CV showed she had been a gender advocate before the NPP came into power in 2016.
Agbenyo had worked as a technical adviser and gender analyst with GIZ Ghana. Her participation in the NDC's 2020 and 2024 election campaigns was defended as part of efforts to promote women's representation in leadership. Her supporters cited her reported criticism of the NDC in 2016 over governance issues and her pre-election warning in 2024 that gender advocates could campaign against the party if it failed to retain a female running mate.
These positions reflect Agbenyo's engagement with political parties on specific policy and gender-related issues rather than unwavering allegiance to one party. The NPP has raised concerns about Agbenyo's suitability for the role, citing her involvement in the NDC's campaign activities. However, Annan argued that Agbenyo's work experience and advocacy for women's representation make her qualified for the position.
The appointment of Agbenyo and Dr Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the EC has attracted criticism from some Ghanaians. Some have expressed concerns about the potential for bias in the electoral process. However, Annan maintained that the appointments were made in accordance with the constitution and that Agbenyo had demonstrated no bias.
The controversy surrounding Agbenyo's appointment highlights the challenges of ensuring impartiality in Ghana's electoral process. The EC plays a crucial role in ensuring free and fair elections, and the appointment of Deputy Chairpersons is critical to this process. As the country prepares for future elections, the EC's ability to remain impartial will be closely watched.
Key points
- Afi Agbenyo has never been a card-bearing member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
- The NPP has raised concerns about Agbenyo's suitability for the role, citing her involvement in the NDC's campaign activities.
- Annan defended the process leading to the appointments, stating that the presidency complied with constitutional requirements.
