Senior Fellow at Africa Policy Lens and Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr Joshua Jebuntie Zaato, has accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of hypocrisy and applying double standards in its approach to appointments to Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC).
His criticism follows President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment and swearing-in of Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kweku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Dr Zaato has questioned the appointment of Ms Agbenyo, who previously served as a governance spokesperson for the NDC during the party’s 2024 general election campaign.
The political scientist argues that the NDC’s position on political appointments to independent state institutions raises questions about the consistency of its commitment to democratic principles.
“By appointing an NDC member and cheerleader to the EC, the NDC has perfected the politics of hypocrisy and false equivalency,” he wrote.
His remarks add to the debate over political neutrality, institutional independence and public confidence in the Electoral Commission, particularly as Ghana continues to scrutinise the appointments and conduct of officials responsible for managing its electoral processes.
Ms Agbenyo previously served as Deputy Director for Operations at the Ghana TVET Service and was associated with the NDC’s communication efforts during the 2024 election campaign.
Her appointment to the Electoral Commission has attracted attention because of her past involvement in partisan political activities.
Critics have questioned whether her political background could affect public perceptions of the Commission’s neutrality, given its central role in organising and supervising elections.
However, her previous political affiliation does not, in itself, establish that she will act in a partisan manner in her new position. The central issue raised by the criticism is whether her appointment will inspire confidence among political parties and the wider electorate in the Commission’s ability to operate independently.
President Mahama also swore in Dr Joseph Kweku Asamoah as a Deputy Chairperson of the EC.
Dr Asamoah is a lawyer, chartered accountant and lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
He previously held several positions within the Electoral Commission, including Director of Finance, Director of the Training Centre and Head of Audit. He also participated in the administration of electoral exercises, including the 2012 and 2016 general elections.
The appointments fill vacancies created by the departure of former Deputy Chairpersons Dr Bossman Eric Asare, who resigned effective July 31, 2026, and Samuel Tettey, who left the Commission after reaching the mandatory retirement age.
At the swearing-in ceremony, President Mahama urged the two new Deputy Chairpersons to discharge their responsibilities without favouring any political party, candidate or government.
He stressed that the Electoral Commission’s responsibility is to Ghana and its people, emphasising the need for fairness, restraint and adherence to the law.
“As President, I expect no preferential treatment from the Electoral Commission for myself, my party or my government,” he said.
The President further urged the appointees to uphold the law even when doing so might be inconvenient for those in power, and to help strengthen public confidence in the Commission through transparency, accountability and engagement with stakeholders.
He also encouraged them to address legitimate concerns from political parties, civil society organisations, the media and citizens, while ensuring that accurate information is provided when questions arise about the Commission’s work.
The debate over the appointments places renewed focus on the independence of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, which is constitutionally mandated to conduct and supervise public elections and referenda.
Under the Electoral Commission Act, 1993 (Act 451), the Commission is established as an independent institution and, subject to the Constitution and applicable laws, is not to be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority in the performance of its functions.
The law also provides that the President appoints the EC Chairperson, Deputy Chairpersons and other members on the advice of the Council of State.
Dr Zaato’s criticism raises a broader question about the standards political parties apply to appointments to independent institutions when they move from opposition into government.
His comments are likely to fuel further discussion about whether parties maintain consistent positions on institutional independence and political appointments, and how such decisions affect public trust in the electoral management body.
By 1960news.com
