Haruna Iddrisu Breaks Silence on Mahama’s Deputy EC Chair Appointment

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has defended President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), describing the decision as constitutionally appropriate while acknowledging the public’s right to scrutinise it.

The Tamale South Member of Parliament also called for legislation to establish clear eligibility criteria for individuals seeking appointment to the Electoral Commission, arguing that specific qualifications would help guide the selection of members.

Speaking on Joy FM on October 13, 2026, Mr Iddrisu said he was familiar with Agbenyo’s professional background, having worked with her when she served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), responsible for operations, under his ministry.

He said the constitutionality of her appointment should be assessed within the framework of Article 45 of the 1992 Constitution, which establishes the Electoral Commission and provides for two deputy chairpersons.

However, the Education Minister maintained that constitutional provisions should be complemented by legislation defining the qualifications and standards expected of individuals appointed to the Commission.

Mr Iddrisu also stressed the importance of ensuring that members of the Electoral Commission demonstrate independence, courage and a commitment to transparency in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He said the institution must uphold democratic principles and maintain public confidence in the electoral process.

While defending Agbenyo’s appointment, he acknowledged that critics were entitled to raise concerns about its political implications, particularly in relation to fairness and consistency in public appointments.

He further distinguished between an appointee’s political activities before assuming office and conduct that could compromise the responsibilities of the position.

He indicated that behaviour considered inappropriate for a Deputy EC Chairperson while in office would raise legitimate concerns about the discharge of those duties.

Agbenyo’s appointment has attracted public scrutiny following the circulation of social media posts she made before the 2024 general election, in which she expressed opposition to the Akufo-Addo administration and criticised some of its policies.

In one post shared on X and other social media platforms, she criticised the government over what she considered its treatment of Ghanaians’ economic difficulties and its decision to impose a nuisance levy.

An August 25, 2024, GhanaWeb report has also resurfaced, highlighting Agbenyo’s involvement in the NDC’s campaign activities ahead of the 2024 general election.

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

Source: https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Haruna-Iddrisu-speaks-on-controversy-surrounding-Agbenyo-s-appointment-as-Deputy-EC-Chair-2056540

TimelyGhanaNews feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com