The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has accused President John Dramani Mahama and the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of undermining Ghana’s democratic principles following the appointment of two new Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission (EC).
Mr Aboagye expressed concern over the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo, whom he described as a partisan political operative with links to the NDC’s 2024 election campaign, to a senior position at the country’s electoral management body.
He has argued that appointing an individual who had previously participated in a political party’s campaign to serve as a Deputy Chairperson of the EC raises questions about the Commission’s independence and impartiality.
According to him, the development is unprecedented in Ghana’s democratic history and risks weakening public confidence in the institution responsible for organising and supervising elections.
“This has never happened before in the history of our dear country’s democracy, that, an open partisan political operative. Who was and is a campaign team member of a political party, has been appointed to come and be a deputy chair to the independent electoral commission,” Mr Aboagye wrote.
He further accused the NDC of setting a dangerous precedent that could influence future appointments to the Commission.
“With this, the NDC just blatantly destroyed our beautiful democracy and has just opened the flood gate,” he added.
Mr Aboagye also suggested that the appointment could pave the way for individuals affiliated with other political parties to occupy senior positions at the Electoral Commission.
In a seemingly sarcastic remark, he referenced Chairman Bamba, arguing that the precedent created by the appointment could make it acceptable for another politically affiliated individual to become an EC Deputy Chairperson or Chairperson.
“Chairman Bamba, can be EC Deputy chair or chair in this country and it will be fine… Fantastic!!!” he stated.
His comments reflect the NPP communicator’s broader concern about the potential implications of appointing individuals with partisan political backgrounds to leadership positions within an institution expected to operate independently of political parties.
The controversy also raises questions about how political affiliations, professional qualifications and perceptions of impartiality should be considered when appointing officials to the Electoral Commission.
Mr Aboagye’s criticism follows President Mahama’s appointment and swearing-in of Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission.
Ms Agbenyo previously served as Deputy Director for Operations at the Ghana TVET Service. She also served as a governance spokesperson for the NDC during the party’s 2024 election campaign.
Her previous involvement in the party’s campaign appears to be the principal basis for Mr Aboagye’s objection to her appointment.
Dr Asamoah, meanwhile, brings professional experience in finance, auditing and law, alongside previous experience within the Electoral Commission.
The appointments place both individuals in senior leadership positions at an institution whose constitutional mandate includes organising and conducting public elections and referenda.
The Electoral Commission occupies a central position in Ghana’s democratic system, with its independence and credibility considered essential to public confidence in election outcomes.
Consequently, appointments to its leadership often attract political scrutiny, particularly when appointees have previously held political roles or participated in election campaigns.
Mr Aboagye’s comments add to the political debate over whether individuals who have previously supported or campaigned for a political party should be considered for senior positions at the Commission.
While previous political involvement may raise questions about public perception, such involvement alone does not establish that an appointee will act in a partisan manner while performing official duties.
The central issue is whether the appointment process and the individuals selected can command public confidence in the Commission’s ability to discharge its responsibilities impartially.
Mr Aboagye, however, maintains that Ms Agbenyo’s previous involvement in the NDC’s 2024 campaign represents a troubling development for Ghana’s democracy.
His criticism underscores the NPP’s concerns about the appointments and the potential consequences for the perceived independence of the Electoral Commission.
By 1960news.com
