Tanko Challenges NPP Over EC Criticism, Cites Asamoah Gyan’s Reported 2024 Role

Rashid Tanko Computer, the NDC’s Deputy Director of Elections and IT, has challenged the New Patriotic Party’s criticism of Emelia Afi Agbenyo’s appointment as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, pointing to former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan’s reported involvement in the NPP’s 2024 manifesto sports committee.

Tanko argued that the opposition party should explain its own association with Gyan before questioning the political affiliations of President John Mahama’s appointee. His comments came amid criticism of Agbenyo’s appointment from NPP Communications Director Dennis Miracles Aboagye, who has raised concerns about her alleged links to the governing NDC.

Speaking on Joy FM, Tanko challenged the NPP to verify Gyan’s reported role in its manifesto preparations.

“Asamoah was a member of their sports committee on this manifesto. Go and check in 2024,” he said.

Gyan, Ghana’s former national team captain, remains widely remembered for missing a penalty against Uruguay during the 2010 FIFA World Cup quarter-final in South Africa. Tanko’s reference to the footballer, however, centred on his reported connection to the NPP’s sports policy work rather than his performance on the pitch.

The NDC official also defended Mahama’s decision to appoint Agbenyo and another person to fill vacancies at the Electoral Commission. Responding to questions about whether Agbenyo was an NDC member, Tanko maintained that the President had selected people he considered capable of performing the responsibilities attached to the positions.

“I am telling you that the President has appointed two competent persons to come and fill the vacant positions that we have,” he said.

Tanko insisted that the appointees possessed the necessary qualifications to serve, suggesting that their competence should be part of the discussion surrounding the appointments.

The disagreement has placed Agbenyo’s political background and the question of neutrality at the centre of a wider political debate. Critics have questioned whether alleged party affiliations are compatible with service on an institution responsible for overseeing elections, while Tanko has defended the President’s choices.

By invoking Gyan’s reported role in the NPP’s 2024 manifesto sports committee, Tanko sought to challenge what he views as inconsistency in the party’s criticism. His argument was that political associations should be considered in context rather than used selectively to question the suitability of presidential appointees.

The competing claims have kept attention on the standards expected of Electoral Commission leadership and the need for public confidence in the institution’s impartiality.

Source: https://x.com/theghanaweb/status/2109947909106209151?s=46

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