Education Minister: Agbenyo’s Appointment Constitutionally Appropriate

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The Minister of Education, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, has defended the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC).

President Mahama swore in Madam Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons on October 12, 2026, filling vacancies created by the departure of two previous officeholders. Honourable Iddrisu’s position is that constitutional authority and public scrutiny can co-exist, while clearer eligibility rules could help guide future appointments.

“I think that the appointment is constitutionally appropriate, but politically, people have the right to remind us that if you seek equity, do equity.”

The Education Minister explained that the debate should distinguish between the President’s constitutional authority to appoint members of the Commission and the political questions raised about their perceived impartiality.

Honourable Iddrisu added that Ghana needs clearer legislative criteria defining eligibility for appointment to the Commission. He contended that although the Constitution provides for the Commission and its deputy chairpersons, legislation could establish a more precise threshold for assessing prospective appointees.

“I just want an electoral commission that does not endanger democratic ethos and values and persons who are independent, persons who are courageous, and persons who would uphold the values of transparency.”

On the other hand, members from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) have challenged Ms Agbenyo’s suitability, citing her previous involvement in activities associated with the governing National Democratic Congress.

Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the NPP’s Director of Communications questioned whether Ms Agbenyo can demonstrate the impartiality required of an Electoral Commission official. He further criticised the appointment as “inconsistent with the standards the NDC previously demanded of electoral commissioners under the former NPP administration.”

Mr Aboagye’s objection centres on the potential effect of perceived partisan loyalties on public confidence in the Commission, which is responsible for managing elections. He has consequently called into question the judgement behind the appointment and the governing party’s commitment to electoral neutrality.

Nonetheless, Honourable Iddrisu emphasised that the constitutional provisions governing appointments should be considered alongside the need for reforms that address unresolved questions about eligibility and institutional independence.

During the swearing-in ceremony, President John Dramani Mahama urged the newly appointed Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission to uphold impartiality and protect the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process.

He emphasised that the Commission must treat all political parties and candidates equally, declaring that “as President, I expect no preferential treatment from the Electoral Commission for myself, my party, or my government.”

Consequently, the President charged the appointees to ensure every eligible citizen could participate in elections and every valid vote count.

The Minister of Education, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, also indicated that the government is preparing to pursue constitutional amendments as part of President John Dramani Mahama’s proposed political and economic reform agenda.

 He expects the Attorney-General to introduce “separate bills in Parliament to address entrenched and non-entrenched provisions of the 1992 Constitution” paving the way for changes through the applicable constitutional procedures.

The Member of Parliament emphasised the importance of distinguishing between the two categories of constitutional provisions before any amendment process begins. He argued that public understanding of these distinctions is essential because each category attracts different procedural requirements.

Mr Iddrisu explained that the proposed legislative agenda would require Parliament and the public to engage with the constitutional mechanisms governing amendments.

“A referendum is constitutionally unavoidable on any matter relative to the entrenched provisions of the Constitution.”

The Education Minister indicated that the proposed bills would provide an opportunity to revisit aspects of the constitutional framework that require reform. However, he stressed the importance of following due process, noting that parliamentary numbers alone cannot substitute for the legal requirements governing constitutional amendments.

Against this backdrop, Honourable Iddrisu linked the anticipated reforms to the constitutional review process initiated under President Mahama. He suggested that the administration’s agenda would encompass political and economic changes, although the precise scope and content of the proposed amendments would depend on the bills presented to Parliament.

The Minister’s comments also highlight the distinction between political commitments to reform and the formal procedures required to implement constitutional changes. Any proposal affecting entrenched provisions would have to satisfy the relevant constitutional requirements, including the referendum process, while amendments to non-entrenched provisions would follow their applicable procedures.

Furthermore, the anticipated introduction of the bills would place Parliament at the centre of the next phase of the reform agenda. Legislators would be expected to examine the proposals within the constitutional framework, while the public would have a role in the process wherever the law requires direct approval through a referendum.

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