Fresh Trouble Over EC Appointments as Kofi Akpaloo Reveals Why Asamoah Concerns Him More

Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) is facing fresh political scrutiny after the Leader of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Percival Kofi Akpaloo, reportedly argued that Dr Joseph Kweku Asamoah’s appointment as a Deputy Chairperson poses a greater threat than that of Emelia Afi Agbenyo. His position adds another layer to the growing debate over political neutrality and public confidence in the body responsible for managing the country’s elections.

According to a report by Rainbow Radio Online published on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Akpaloo explained why he considered Asamoah’s appointment more concerning than Agbenyo’s. However, the available report does not provide the full details of his explanation, making it important not to attribute specific arguments to him without further confirmation.

The appointments of Asamoah and Agbenyo by President John Dramani Mahama have attracted attention from political parties and public figures. The two were sworn in as Deputy Chairpersons of the EC on October 12, 2026, following vacancies created by the resignation of Dr Bossman Eric Asare and the retirement of Samuel Tettey.

The controversy has largely centred on concerns about whether people appointed to the Commission can maintain independence from political parties. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has questioned Agbenyo’s appointment, pointing to her previous involvement in activities linked to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). The party has argued that such a background could raise doubts about the Commission’s neutrality.

However, political association alone does not prove that an appointee will act unfairly. The real test will be whether members of the Commission carry out their duties without favouring any party.

Akpaloo’s reported comparison also raises a broader question: should public debate focus on one appointee, or should the backgrounds and qualifications of everyone appointed to the Commission receive the same level of scrutiny?

For many Ghanaians, the issue goes beyond the interests of the NDC, NPP or LPG. The EC plays a central role in protecting the right of citizens to choose their leaders through credible elections.