President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has emphasized the importance of impartiality in the Electoral Commission, urging the newly appointed Deputy Chairpersons to ensure fairness in all their decisions. During the swearing-in ceremony of Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kweku Asamoah on October 12, 2026, President Mahama stressed that the credibility of the Commission depends on its ability to perform its duties fairly and independently. He encouraged the officials to resist political influence and exercise their authority in accordance with the law.
President Mahama expects no preferential treatment from the Electoral Commission for himself, his party, or his government. He urged the new deputy chairpersons to uphold what is right, even when it is inconvenient for those in power. The President emphasized that neither political affiliation nor the position of a candidate should determine how the EC applies its rules. This stance is aimed at ensuring that the right of Ghanaians to freely elect their leaders is protected.
The President also called on the deputy chairpersons to strengthen public confidence in the Commission through transparency, accountability, and sustained engagement with stakeholders. He encouraged the officials to listen to political parties, civil society organizations, the media, and the general public, and to respond promptly to legitimate concerns. Where public concerns arise from misinformation, President Mahama urged them to provide accurate information and correct mistakes whenever necessary.
Dr Joseph Kweku Asamoah, one of the newly appointed deputy chairpersons, brings a wealth of experience to the Commission. As a lecturer in law at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, he previously served the EC as Director of Finance, Director of the Training Centre, and Head of Audit. President Mahama highlighted that his background in law, accounting, economics, and electoral administration would be valuable to the Commission.
Emelia Afi Agbenyo, the other deputy chairperson, was the Deputy Director for Operations at the Ghana TVET Service before her appointment. President Mahama noted her experience in public administration, institutional leadership, and stakeholder engagement, including coordinating operations and implementing policies at the service. He also drew attention to her work in promoting gender and disability inclusion.
The two appointments follow changes in the EC's senior leadership. Dr Bossman Asare, whose responsibilities included Corporate Affairs, resigned effective July 31, 2026, while former Deputy Chairperson in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey, retired upon reaching the mandatory retirement age. President Mahama urged the new deputy chairpersons to help ensure that electoral participation is accessible to all eligible voters, including persons who face physical, social, or communication barriers.
The President's call for impartiality and fairness in the Electoral Commission comes at a critical time, as Ghana prepares for future elections. The Commission's ability to perform its duties fairly and independently is crucial in maintaining public trust and confidence in the electoral process. The newly appointed deputy chairpersons have a significant role to play in upholding the Commission's impartiality and ensuring that the rights of all Ghanaians are protected.
Key points
- President Mahama urges EC deputies to safeguard impartiality and fairness in all decisions.
- The President expects no preferential treatment from the EC for himself, his party, or his government.
- The new deputy chairpersons bring valuable experience to the Commission, including expertise in law, accounting, economics, and electoral administration.
