The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to withdraw the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Commissioner of the Electoral Commission (EC), citing concerns about her previous political activities with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 13, the party rejected the appointment, arguing that Ms. Agbenyo’s previous role in the NDC’s activities could undermine public confidence in the EC ahead of the 2028 general elections.
It comes a day after Ms. Agbenyo and Dr. Joseph Kweku Asamoah were sworn in as deputy chairpersons of the EC.
According to the NPP, Madam Agbenyo served as the NDC’s Governance Sector Spokesperson during preparations for the party’s 2024 manifesto and campaigned for the party ahead of the 2024 general elections.
It cited her participation in NDC campaign rallies and appearances in party-branded T-shirts as evidence of her active involvement in the party’s campaign.
“Less than two years on, the President has placed her among the top leadership of the institution that will conduct the 2028 general elections. We find this unacceptable,” the party stated.
The NPP warned that public confidence in the EC was fundamental to the credibility of elections, arguing that doubts about the Commission’s neutrality could affect public perceptions of voter registration exercises, constituency boundary decisions, and the declaration of election results.
“Public confidence in the Commission is the foundation on which every election result rests,” the statement said, adding that once such confidence was lost, electoral processes could become subjects of suspicion.
The party further warned that the situation could pose a risk to the country’s peace and stability, describing the concerns as avoidable.
The NPP has consequently urged President Mahama to withdraw Ms. Agbenyo’s appointment and called on the Council of State to explain the advice it provided to the President on the matter.
