Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has described Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a woman of integrity who can perform her duties impartially despite concerns about her political associations.

Ablakwa said he had known Agbenyo since their days as student activists and believed her background demonstrated her independence and commitment to public service.

The minister made the remarks while discussing the controversy surrounding her appointment as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) on JoyNews’ Newsfile.

“I have known Madame Afi since our student activism days. Many student leaders know her. She’s very independent, fiercely independent,” he said.

He added that Agbenyo was not someone who could easily be swayed once she had made up her mind.

“She’s a woman of impeccable integrity and credibility,” Ablakwa said, adding that her competence and patriotism could not be denied by those familiar with her record.

He further expressed concern that the controversy had placed her under public scrutiny despite his confidence in her character.

“It really hits me. It breaks my heart that she’s been put in this storm,” he said.

However, Ablakwa stressed that his defence of Agbenyo’s personal integrity did not mean the concerns surrounding the appointment should be dismissed.

He maintained that the perception of political influence over the EC remained important, even when an appointee was capable of acting fairly.

“I’m not taking anything away from her competence and the fact that she can do the job,” he said.

“She is a woman of impeccable integrity.”