NPP Fights Agbenyo’s EC Top Job Over NDC Ties

President John Mahama’s appointment of former National Democratic Congress (NDC) campaign spokesperson Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Electoral Commissioner has ignited a political storm, with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) describing the decision as a “complete shame” amid growing concerns over political neutrality, public trust and the independence of Ghana’s electoral management body ahead of the 2028 general election.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the NPP Communications Director, criticised the Mahama government for appointing the former NDC campaign spokesperson to the sensitive position.

Mr. Miracles Aboagye described the appointment as a “complete shame”, arguing that it raised concerns about the government’s commitment to protecting independent state institutions from partisan politics.

“It’s a shame. We have a government and a party that doesn’t even see how embarrassing it is to simply go into the party’s database and pick one of their political party operatives and appoint her as a Deputy Electoral Commissioner. It is a complete shame,” he said.

Mr. Aboagye warned that Ghana had made significant progress in building its democracy and should not allow political interests to weaken public confidence in institutions responsible for organising elections.

“We have come very far as a country trying to build our democracy. And one of the things we know we don’t do is to try and touch some of these independent bodies in such a very, very blatant manner.

“You know, this government went after our Chief Justice by illegally bullying her and removing her. Now they’re going to the Electoral Commission as well,” he added.

His comments followed the appointment and swearing-in of Ms. Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the EC on October 12, 2026.

At the ceremony, President Mahama urged the two officials to remain impartial in the discharge of their duties and ensure that no political party received preferential treatment.

However, the president’s call for neutrality has not stopped questions about Ms. Agbenyo’s political history, with critics arguing that her previous role in the NDC raises concerns about whether she can command the confidence of all political parties.

Past NDC role fuels controversy

The debate has spread across social media, where posts from Ms. Agbenyo’s activities before the 2024 general election have re-emerged.

In one post shared before the election, she criticised the Akufo-Addo administration and explained why she intended to vote against it.

“I will be voting against a government that ridiculed the pains of the people.

“Imposing a nuisance levy on citizens is not a thing to celebrate. Governance is no joke; citizens are not your enemies,” she posted on December 2, 2024.

An article published by GhanaWeb on August 25, 2024, has also circulated online, highlighting her role in the NDC’s campaign ahead of the election.

Before the polls, Ms. Agbenyo served as a sectoral spokesperson on governance for the party’s Resetting Ghana manifesto team, alongside Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Sylvester Mensah.

Her previous public association with the NDC has prompted some social media users to question her suitability for the EC position. Others have alleged that her political affiliation could affect her neutrality during the 2028 election, with some even claiming that she might help the NDC manipulate the results.

 

Iddrisu Defends Appointment

Amid the growing criticism, Tamale South MP and Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu has defended the appointment, describing it as “constitutionally appropriate” while acknowledging that critics have a right to question the government’s position.

Speaking on Joy Super Morning Show on Tuesday, October 13, Mr. Iddrisu said the key issue was whether the appointment complied with the Constitution and whether the country had clear laws defining who qualified to serve on the EC.

“I know Afi very well, and I’ve worked with Afi. Afi, as at yesterday, was working under my Ministry, under TVET Services as Deputy to the Chief Executive. Now, is it constitutionally appropriate? Those are the questions you should ask.

“Does the President have the power under Article 45 to appoint? Now, one of the things we have not been able to do well is to use legislation to define the parameters of who is eligible. Beyond Article 45, 46, providing that there shall be an Electoral Commission, which shall have two deputies, we must have legislation which then defines a threshold as to who can enter into the Electoral Commission.”

Mr. Iddrisu said Ghana needed an EC that protected democratic values, transparency and fairness, rather than one that placed political interests above the public good.

He also acknowledged the political concerns surrounding the appointment, particularly because the NDC had previously criticised the NPP over similar appointments.

“So, I think that the appointment is constitutionally appropriate, but politically, people have the right to remind us that if you seek equity, do equity. Maybe that’s what it is reminding us of.”

On whether Ms. Agbenyo’s past political activities should disqualify her, Mr. Iddrisu argued that the situation would be different if she continued campaigning while serving in office.

“If she does that whilst in office, that would be unacceptable as Deputy Electoral Commissioner.”

He further argued that the EC’s responsibility was to provide a fair and transparent electoral process, while political parties and candidates also had a duty to monitor elections and protect their interests.

Mr. Iddrisu also hinted at possible constitutional reforms to address questions surrounding appointments and eligibility for public office.