Governance analyst Professor Kwaku Agyemang-Duah has criticised the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, over his comments suggesting that the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) was intended to balance political representation.

Agbenyo’s previous association with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), particularly her involvement in the party’s manifesto committee ahead of the 2024 general elections, has raised concerns about the perceived political neutrality of the Electoral Commission.

The appointment has attracted criticism, prompting Kwakye Ofosu to argue that the previous administration also appointed individuals associated with its political party to the EC and other public institutions.

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He maintained that resetting the country should include addressing perceived imbalances in state institutions, including bodies responsible for managing elections.

However, Prof Agyemang-Duah criticised the minister’s remarks, arguing that they could undermine the independence of the Electoral Commission. He insisted that mistakes made by previous administrations should not be repeated.

“I think my earlier comments referred to that kind of argument. The fact is, the EC is an independent body. The Constitution does not require that we balance membership on a political party basis. No, it’s independent. That’s why I referred earlier, if you recall, to those who are arguing that there are many NPP sympathisers.

"They mentioned names, but there’s no need to mention them here. And therefore, this one appointment is simply seeking to balance the scales in terms of membership of those who are so-called politically exposed. No, that’s why I’m saying we shouldn’t go through this circular argument of ‘You did it, I’m doing it. You did it, I’m balancing it with this.’ Look, we don’t commit two mistakes to ensure that one right is done. No, if the first one was a mistake, we should simply not repeat it. So I do not buy that argument that this is a balancing act,” he said.

The former Board Chairman of the Ghana Audit Service also criticised Kwakye Ofosu, arguing that such comments should not come from a high-ranking government official.

“Not at all. So that’s a defeatist kind of argument. It’s not proper, and I appeal to those who are making that kind of statement, especially from higher levels, because that kind of argument is dangerous for us. If the foot soldiers are making those kinds of arguments, I won’t quibble so much because we know how they talk,” he added.

Watch the video below:

Appointment of Emelia Agbenyo to EC: The EC is an independent body; hence, there is no need to balance it out. We don't commit too many mistakes to ensure that one right is done. - Prof. Baffour Agyemang-Duah, Governance Expert

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