NPP REJECTS EMELIA AGBENYO’S EC APPOINTMENT, DEMANDS MAHAMA WITHDRAW NOMINATION

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has mounted a strong objection to President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), demanding that the President withdraw the appointment over concerns about her political neutrality.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, and signed by its National Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the NPP argued that Ms Agbenyo’s previous involvement in the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) raises questions about her ability to discharge her duties impartially at the electoral management body.

The party cited her reported role as the NDC’s governance sector spokesperson during the preparation of its 2024 manifesto, as well as her alleged participation in campaign rallies and activities ahead of the 2024 general elections.

According to the NPP, appointing someone with such a political background to the leadership of an institution responsible for organising elections could undermine public confidence in the electoral process, particularly as the country approaches the 2028 general elections.

The party also accused President Mahama of contradicting his earlier position on political appointments to the Electoral Commission. It recalled that in March 2023, he reportedly criticised the appointment of individuals he described as party activists to the Commission and advocated an amendment to Article 43(2) of the 1992 Constitution to require parliamentary approval for such appointments.

The NPP has consequently called on the President to withdraw Ms Agbenyo’s appointment and urged the Council of State to explain the advice it provided regarding the decision.

The party further wants the ongoing constitutional review process to address the appointment of Electoral Commission members, arguing that reforms are necessary to strengthen confidence in the institution’s independence.

However, the concerns raised by the NPP represent the party’s position and do not, by themselves, establish that Ms Agbenyo would perform her duties with political bias.

Ms Agbenyo was sworn into office on October 12 alongside Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah. President Mahama urged both appointees to perform their constitutional responsibilities independently and impartially, without favouring any political party or candidate.