“With This Chairman Bamba Can Be EC Chair” – Aboagye Reacts To Mahama’s Appointment

Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has criticised President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Affi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC), arguing that the decision raises serious concerns about the institution’s perceived political neutrality.

Mr Aboagye reacted to the appointment on October 12, 2026, in a post on his official Facebook page, where he questioned the decision and its possible implications for the country’s democratic process.

He alleged that Ms Agbenyo had been an active member of a political party’s campaign team and argued that appointing someone with such alleged partisan involvement to a senior position at the Electoral Commission was unprecedented in Ghana’s democratic history.

“With this, the NDC just blatantly destroyed our beautiful democracy and has just opened the flood gate,” he wrote.

The NPP communicator also used sarcasm to criticise what he considers a troubling precedent. Referring to Chairman Bamba, the NPP’s First National Vice Chairman, he suggested that the appointment could create an expectation that other senior party officials might also be considered for leadership positions at the Commission.

“Chairman Bamba can be EC Deputy Chair or Chair in this country and it will be fine… Fantastic!!!” he added.

Mr Aboagye’s comments have contributed to the political debate surrounding the appointment and the standards expected of individuals selected to oversee Ghana’s elections. His criticism centres on the importance of ensuring that electoral officials are perceived as independent of partisan interests.

The Electoral Commission is a constitutionally established institution responsible for organising and supervising public elections and referenda in Ghana. Article 46 of the 1992 Constitution provides that the Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority in the performance of its functions.

This constitutional independence is intended to protect the Commission’s ability to carry out its responsibilities without improper interference. Public confidence also depends on whether political parties and voters believe that electoral officials will treat all participants fairly.

However, Mr Aboagye’s claims about Ms Agbenyo’s political activities remain allegations attributed to him and do not, by themselves, establish that she would perform her duties in a partisan manner.

The appointment has therefore renewed discussion about the balance between constitutional appointment procedures, the backgrounds of electoral officials and public perceptions of neutrality. Responses from the relevant authorities and further evidence concerning the allegations would help provide a more complete picture.

As the debate continues, the Commission’s conduct and decisions will remain central to public assessment of its independence and its ability to administer Ghana’s electoral process impartially.

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