What was NPP’s response when NDC made noise about Bossman Asare, Appiahene’s EC appointment? – Ako Gunn

The Acting National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Godwin Ako Gunn, has accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of inconsistency in its criticism of appointments to the Electoral Commission (EC).

He cited the appointment of Dr Bossman Asare, whom he described as a known TESCON patron, and Dr. Peter Appiahene, arguing that the NDC faced strong criticism when those appointments were made.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Ako Gunn said the NPP’s current objections to the appointment of individuals with perceived political affiliations to the EC were difficult to reconcile with its own response when similar concerns were raised in the past.

“When Bossman Asare, whom we all knew as a TESCON patron, and Appiahene were appointed, what didn’t the NDC say? But what was the response from the NPP?” he asked.

He said the NPP’s reaction to the current controversy was particularly surprising because the party had campaigned on a promise to reset the country’s governance and institutions.

“It is not that the NPP hasn’t done this before, but they didn’t expect it because the NDC said we were resetting,” he stated.

Mr Ako Gunn urged political parties to move beyond partisan considerations and work towards protecting the independence and credibility of state institutions.

He cited the appointments of former Electoral Commission Chairpersons Charlotte Osei and Jean Mensa under different administrations, arguing that electoral outcomes ultimately depend on the decisions of voters.

“The NDC appointed Charlotte Osei, but she declared Akufo-Addo as President. The NPP also appointed Jean Mensa, but Mahama was declared President,” he said.

According to him, these examples demonstrate that the political affiliation of an Electoral Commissioner does not necessarily determine the outcome of an election.

“This tells us that regardless of who is at the EC, once the minds of the people are made up for change, they will vote you out,” he added.

Mr Ako Gunn cautioned against the politicisation of state institutions, particularly the military leadership, whose members put their lives on the line in service to the country.

He urged political actors to prioritise strengthening Ghana’s democracy rather than allowing disputes over appointments to dominate national discourse.

His comments come in the wake of the criticism that the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy EC Chairperson has attracted from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The party has raised concerns about Madam Agbenyo’s suitability for the role, citing her involvement in the NDC’s campaign activities and her position as a spokesperson for the party’s manifesto committee on governance.

However, her participation in the NDC’s 2020 and 2024 election campaigns has been defended as part of efforts to promote women’s representation in leadership, rather than proof of formal membership of the governing party.