NPP Rejects Emelia Agbenyo’s EC Appointment, Demands Immediate Withdrawal

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly opposed the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), citing concerns over her alleged political affiliations and past campaign activities.

In a statement signed by its National Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the opposition party argued that Agbenyo’s political history raises questions about the suitability of her appointment to a senior position at the electoral management body.

The NPP claimed that Agbenyo previously served as its governance sector spokesperson during the development of the party’s 2024 manifesto.

It further alleged that she subsequently participated in campaign activities organised by the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), including appearing at campaign rallies and wearing party-branded clothing.

The party expressed concern that her appointment comes less than two years before Ghana’s 2028 general elections, arguing that the timing could raise questions about the perceived neutrality of the institution responsible for overseeing the polls.

The NPP also accused President John Dramani Mahama of taking a position on electoral appointments that conflicts with his earlier public stance.

It cited remarks Mahama made in March 2023, when he was the opposition leader, criticising the appointment of individuals he considered political party activists to the Electoral Commission.

According to the NPP, Mahama had also advocated an amendment to Article 43(2) of the Constitution to give Parliament the authority to approve such appointments.

The party argued that Agbenyo’s appointment contradicts the position Mahama previously advanced.

The NPP warned that perceived political partisanship among senior EC officials could undermine public confidence in the Commission, which it described as essential to the credibility of election outcomes.

It cautioned that declining trust in the institution could fuel suspicions about key electoral processes, including voter registration, constituency boundary decisions and the declaration of election results.

The party has called on President Mahama to reverse Agbenyo’s appointment and urged the Council of State to publicly explain the advice it provided regarding the decision.

It has also advocated reforms to the process of appointing Electoral Commission members as part of Ghana’s ongoing constitutional review efforts.

The NPP maintained that it would pursue all lawful avenues to safeguard the integrity of the country’s electoral system.

It also appealed to civil society organisations, religious institutions, the media and the general public to support its concerns over the appointment.

Source: https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/NPP-rejects-Emelia-Agbenyo-s-appointment-as-EC-Deputy-Chairperson-2056588

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