It Would Present a Problem – Dr. Asah-Asante Raises Concerns Over Emelia Afi Agbenyo’ EC Appointment

Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, a Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana, has raised concerns over the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, stating that if she is indeed an NDC sympathiser or loyalist, it would present a problem for the Commission. His comments, reported by TV3GH, add an academic perspective to the ongoing national debate.

According to Dr. Asah-Asante, the credibility of the Electoral Commission depends heavily on the perception of neutrality among its commissioners. He noted that if Agbenyo is widely seen as a loyalist of the governing party, it could undermine public confidence in the commission’s ability to act impartially.

The political science lecturer emphasised that perception matters greatly in electoral management. Even if an individual is capable of acting objectively, the appearance of partisanship can be damaging to the institution’s reputation and to the trust that political parties and citizens place in it.

His concerns echo those raised by the NPP and other critics who have argued that Agbenyo’s appointment is wrong because of her political background. Dr. Asah-Asante’s intervention is significant because it comes from a respected academic voice rather than a partisan source.

At the same time, the lecturer’s use of the word “if” suggests a degree of caution. He appears to be acknowledging that the assessment depends on the facts of Agbenyo’s political involvement, which remain a matter of public debate. His statement leaves room for the possibility that the concerns could be addressed if the perception of partisanship is not borne out.

Supporters of the appointment have argued that competence and experience should be the primary criteria and that political affiliation alone does not disqualify someone from serving impartially. They have also pointed to past appointments of individuals with NPP ties to the Electoral Commission as evidence of a double standard.

Dr. Asah-Asante’s comments are likely to add weight to calls for greater transparency and safeguards to protect the independence of the Electoral Commission. As a neutral academic voice, his concerns may resonate with Ghanaians who are worried about the politicisation of the country’s electoral management body.

As the debate continues, the focus will remain on the Electoral Commission and how it conducts itself in the coming months and years. For now, Dr. Asah-Asante’s intervention has added a measured but significant voice to the national conversation about the integrity of Ghana’s elections.