NDC Simply Went Into Their Database And Picked One–Aboagye Slams Emelia Agbenyo’s EC Appointment

According to a report by TV3Gh, on Tuesday October 13, 2026, New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communications Director Dennis Miracles Aboagye has criticised President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), accusing the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of selecting a political operative for a position that requires impartiality.

Miracles Aboagye expressed concern over the appointment, arguing that the governing party appeared to have relied on its own political structures to select someone for a senior position within Ghana’s electoral management body.

According to him, the appointment raises questions about the government’s commitment to ensuring that independent state institutions are headed by individuals who can command public confidence across the political divide.

The NPP communications director did not mince words in expressing his displeasure with the decision, describing it as embarrassing for the government.

“It’s a shame that we have a government that doesn’t even see how embarrassing it is. They simply go into their party database and pick one of their political operatives and appoint her as a Deputy EC Chair,” he said.

His comments were reported by 3News on October 13, 2026, amid the political debate surrounding Agbenyo’s appointment and her previous association with the NDC.

The controversy has brought renewed attention to the importance of political neutrality within the Electoral Commission, an institution responsible for organising and supervising elections in Ghana.

Given the Commission’s central role in the country’s democratic process, appointments to its senior leadership positions are often closely scrutinised by political parties, civil society organisations and members of the public.

The credibility of the electoral process depends not only on the Commission’s performance but also on public confidence that its officials can discharge their responsibilities without favouring any political party.

Miracles Aboagye’s criticism centres on the concern that Agbenyo’s previous political association could affect perceptions of the Commission’s independence.

His remarks reflect the NPP’s objections to the appointment, although the allegation that the governing party selected her primarily because of her political affiliation remains a political claim.

The NDC, however, has defended Agbenyo’s suitability for the position. Rashid Tanko Computer, the party’s Deputy Director of Elections and IT, has maintained that she possesses the qualifications and experience necessary to serve in the role.

“She is even supposed to be the Commissioner but not a Deputy because she is very much qualified,” Tanko Computer said in defence of her appointment.

The contrasting positions have intensified the discussion over whether an individual’s previous political involvement should influence assessments of their suitability for appointment to an independent constitutional institution.

While critics insist that electoral officials must be above partisan interests, others argue that a history of political association should not automatically disqualify a qualified professional from public service.

The central question is whether appointees can demonstrate the independence, fairness and professionalism required by their offices.

Political science lecturer Dr Asah-Asante has also emphasised the importance of impartiality among Electoral Commission officials, warning that concerns about an appointee’s political loyalties could become a problem for public confidence if those concerns are substantiated.

Meanwhile, President Mahama has urged the newly appointed Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission, Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Joseph Kwaku Asamoah, to carry out their duties fairly and without favouring any political party.

During their swearing-in ceremony on October 12, the President stressed that their responsibility was to the Ghanaian people and that neither his government nor the NDC should receive preferential treatment.

“Ensure that every eligible citizen can participate in our electoral process and that every valid vote counts and reflects the will of the people,” the President said.

He further stated: “The duty is to the people of Ghana and its people, discharge your duty without favouring any candidate or party. I expect no preferential treatment for myself, my govt and party.”

Agbenyo’s appointment, alongside that of Asamoah, follows changes in the Electoral Commission’s leadership after the resignation of Dr Bossman Asare and the retirement of former Deputy Chairperson Samuel Tettey.

Agbenyo previously served as Deputy Director for Operations at the Ghana TVET Service, while Asamoah has held senior positions within the Electoral Commission, including Director of Finance, Director of the Training Centre and Head of Audit.

The developments have placed the Commission’s leadership appointments at the centre of a wider political debate about institutional independence, professional qualifications and public trust.

As the NPP continues to question Agbenyo’s appointment and the NDC defends her credentials, attention will increasingly focus on whether the Commission’s leadership can demonstrate the impartiality expected of an institution entrusted with safeguarding Ghana’s electoral process.

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