Another Guru Accuses Mahama Over New EC Appointment

Lawyer and public affairs commentator Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers has criticised President John Dramani Mahama over the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), arguing that the decision conflicts with the President’s earlier stance on political neutrality within the electoral management body.

Brako-Powers contends that Mahama’s decision appears inconsistent with his previous objections to appointing individuals perceived to have strong ties to political parties to positions that require independence and impartiality.

He made the remarks following the appointment of Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the EC. The two officials were sworn into office on Monday, October 12, 2026, filling vacancies left by the resignation of Dr Bossman Eric Asare and the retirement of Samuel Tettey.

Speaking on TV3’s Big Issues programme on Tuesday, October 13, Brako-Powers said concerns about Agbenyo’s suitability were partly linked to social media posts he attributed to her, which he claimed were critical of the then governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

He maintained that the public activities and political expressions of candidates for independent constitutional institutions should be carefully examined before appointments are made.

According to the lawyer, the issue is not whether individuals are entitled to hold political views, but whether their public conduct could undermine confidence in their ability to perform impartial duties.

The criticism has revived debate over Mahama’s previous comments on the composition of the Electoral Commission. In March 2023, when he was the opposition leader, Mahama questioned appointments made under the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, accusing the government of selecting individuals he considered politically aligned with the NPP.

During a public lecture at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Mahama proposed an amendment to Article 43(2) of the 1992 Constitution to introduce parliamentary approval for appointments to the EC.

He revisited the matter in 2024, raising concerns about how individuals who had served as political party communicators or patrons of the Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON) could be expected to perform their electoral duties without partisan influence.

The Electoral Commission subsequently pointed out that appointments made during Mahama’s own administration had also generated questions about perceived political affiliations.

Brako-Powers insists that the principles Mahama previously advocated should remain applicable under his current administration. He argued that political parties should not adopt different standards for assessing appointments depending on whether they are in government or opposition.

His comments come even as Mahama has publicly urged the newly appointed EC deputies to carry out their responsibilities fairly and without favouring any political party or candidate.

At their swearing-in ceremony, the President said the commissioners should not give preferential treatment to him, his government or the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He also stressed the importance of protecting the credibility and integrity of Ghana’s electoral process.

The controversy has renewed discussions about the balance between political neutrality, professional qualifications and public confidence in appointments to independent constitutional bodies.

Brako-Powers’ central argument is that maintaining consistent standards in selecting electoral officials is essential to strengthening trust in the EC and ensuring that the institution is seen as independent of partisan interests.

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