Ghana's democratic credentials have been built over decades of struggle, sacrifice, constitutional development and the collective determination of its citizens to resolve political differences through peaceful, credible and transparent elections. Our democracy remains one of our most important national assets, and every institution entrusted with protecting it must be treated with the utmost seriousness.

It is against this background that I express my profound concern regarding President John Dramani Mahama's appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of Ghana's Electoral Commission (EC).

Let me state from the outset that this is not a personal attack on Mrs Agbenyo, nor is it an attempt to diminish her professional achievements or deny her right to fair treatment. It is a principled intervention on a matter of national importance: the preservation of the independence, impartiality and credibility of Ghana's Electoral Commission.

My concern is that the appointment has raised serious questions about the boundary between partisan political engagement and service in an institution whose credibility depends fundamentally on public confidence in its neutrality.

These questions deserve more than partisan exchanges. They demand sober reflection, institutional accountability and a commitment to placing Ghana above political convenience.

The facts that have triggered public concern

On 12 October 2026, President John Dramani Mahama swore in Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kweku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission.

The appointments have attracted public debate, particularly because of Mrs Agbenyo's previous involvement in the political communication activities of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

On 24 August 2024, the NDC publicly announced its sectoral spokespersons for the party's 2024 general election manifesto, naming Mrs Agbenyo among the spokespersons responsible for the governance sector. Her name appeared alongside Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Hon. Sylvester Mensah.

That public record is relevant to the present debate. It establishes that she participated in communicating a political party's manifesto ahead of a general election. However, it does not, by itself, establish that she is incapable of serving impartially in public office.

Nevertheless, it raises a legitimate question about how the appointing authorities assessed the potential implications of that political involvement for an appointment to the leadership of an independent electoral institution.

The controversy has been intensified by public criticism from the NPP's Director of Communications, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, who has questioned the appropriateness of appointing an individual with such a political background to the Electoral Commission.

On the other hand, presidential staffer Beatrice Annan has defended Mrs Agbenyo, stating that she is not, and has never been, a card-bearing member of the NDC. She has argued that Mrs Agbenyo's political engagement should be understood in the context of her professional background and advocacy for gender inclusion.

These competing positions should be considered fairly. However, the absence of formal party membership does not automatically settle every question about political association or the public perception of impartiality.

The central issue is not merely whether an appointee possesses a party membership card. It is whether the totality of an individual's public political involvement, together with the safeguards surrounding the appointment, inspires sufficient confidence in the independence of the institution being served.

A referee must not be perceived as an extension of a competing team

The Electoral Commission is not an ordinary public institution. It is the constitutional body entrusted with administering the processes through which Ghanaians choose their political leaders.

Its responsibilities affect the governing party, the opposition, smaller political parties, independent candidates and, most importantly, every Ghanaian voter.

For this reason, the Commission must not only be independent; its leadership must also inspire public confidence in that independence.

In football, no responsible competition organiser would casually disregard concerns about the impartiality of a referee. The same principle applies, with even greater consequences, to the institution responsible for administering a nation's elections.

When the public begins to question whether the referee is too closely associated with one of the competing teams, confidence in the entire competition becomes vulnerable.

The issue is not whether the referee has a private opinion. It is whether the public can reasonably trust that the rules will be applied consistently, without favour, fear or political interference.

In Ghana, where elections determine the allocation of political power and public resources, any appointment that generates serious questions about partisan proximity deserves careful scrutiny.

The Electoral Commission must not be perceived as an extension of the governing party or an appendage of the Presidency. Its leadership must command confidence across the political spectrum, regardless of which party is in power.

Its loyalty must be to the Constitution, the rule of law and the sovereign will of the Ghanaian people.

Why the appointment raises questions about perceived impartiality

In my considered view, Mrs Agbenyo's appointment raises a serious institutional concern because of her documented participation in the NDC's manifesto communication activities before the 2024 general election.

I therefore question whether the appointing authorities gave sufficient weight to the need for demonstrable political neutrality when considering her suitability for this particular office.

A person may possess professional qualifications, administrative experience and valuable technical expertise while still attracting legitimate questions about the appropriateness of placing them in a position where public confidence in impartiality is indispensable.

These considerations are not mutually exclusive.

My objection is not that anyone who has ever expressed a political opinion must automatically be disqualified from public service. Such a position would be unreasonable and incompatible with democratic citizenship.

Rather, my concern is that appointments to the Electoral Commission require an exceptionally careful assessment of political associations, potential conflicts of interest and the reasonable perception of independence.

Where a candidate has publicly participated in a political party's manifesto communication, the appointing authorities should be prepared to explain how that history was assessed and what safeguards will protect the Commission's impartiality.

It is precisely because the Electoral Commission occupies such a sensitive constitutional position that the standard of public confidence must be exceptionally high.

The question that must be answered is straightforward: Were the considerations applied in this appointment sufficiently rigorous to protect the credibility of the institution and reassure all political stakeholders?

That question deserves a transparent answer.

The President must place institutional credibility above political convenience

President Mahama has publicly stated that the Electoral Commission must not grant preferential treatment to him, his government or his political party.

At the swearing-in ceremony on 12 October 2026, he emphasised that the Commission must apply the same standards to all political actors and protect the right of Ghanaians to choose their leaders freely.

That assurance reflects an important democratic principle. However, its credibility ultimately depends not only on what a President says after making appointments, but also on the care exercised in selecting individuals for positions that demand public trust.

The President has a responsibility to ensure that appointments to independent institutions strengthen confidence in their impartiality rather than generate avoidable doubts.

This responsibility is particularly important when the appointee's previous political activities are already a matter of public record.

The Presidency should therefore address the concerns raised by the appointment through transparent engagement, a clear explanation of the selection criteria, where appropriate, and demonstrable safeguards against partisan influence.

The purpose should not be to satisfy one political party at the expense of another. It should be to protect the integrity of the Electoral Commission and the confidence of the Ghanaian people.

The governing party must recognise that the independence of the Electoral Commission is not a favour it grants to the opposition. It is a constitutional safeguard that protects every political party, including the party in government, against future abuses of power.

Ghana cannot afford to weaken public confidence in its electoral institutions

As a professional whose areas of expertise include disaster management, governance, peace and security, I understand that national stability depends substantially on public trust in institutions, the peaceful management of competing interests and the ability of citizens to resolve disagreements through credible processes.

Electoral credibility is a central component of that stability.

When citizens believe that their votes will be counted fairly and that electoral institutions are independent, they have stronger grounds for accepting electoral outcomes, including outcomes that disappoint their preferred political parties.

Conversely, when confidence in electoral institutions deteriorates, political disagreements can become more difficult to manage.

This does not mean that every controversy surrounding an appointment will lead to instability. Nor does it mean that Mrs Agbenyo has been shown to have acted improperly in her new office.

It means that Ghana must take seriously any development capable of undermining confidence in the impartial administration of elections.

We must never wait for institutional distrust to become a national crisis before taking preventive measures.

Our political leaders, constitutional institutions, civil society organisations and development partners should recognise that electoral confidence is an important component of our national resilience.

A stable democracy requires more than peaceful voting. It requires confidence that the rules governing political competition are fair, consistently applied and protected from partisan manipulation.

A call for institutional review and national dialogue

In the interest of national unity, democratic accountability and long-term political stability, I respectfully call on the relevant authorities and institutions to address the concerns surrounding this appointment.

1. The Presidency

I call on President John Dramani Mahama to ensure that the concerns surrounding Mrs Agbenyo's appointment are addressed transparently.

The Presidency should explain the principles and criteria used to assess her suitability for a position whose credibility depends on public confidence in impartiality.

Where the appointment process can be strengthened to address legitimate concerns, the Presidency should demonstrate the necessary openness and willingness to act in the national interest, within the limits of its constitutional authority.

2. The Council of State

I urge the Council of State to encourage a transparent and rigorous approach to appointments to independent constitutional institutions.

The Council should support measures that strengthen public confidence in the selection process and ensure that the need for impartiality receives appropriate consideration.

3. The Electoral Commission

I call on the leadership of the Electoral Commission to reaffirm its institutional independence through clear, consistent and transparent administrative practices.

The Commission should demonstrate that its decisions are guided by the Constitution and applicable law rather than the interests of any political party.

It should also maintain open and constructive engagement with political parties, civil society organisations, the media and the Ghanaian public.

4. Parliament and relevant oversight bodies

I urge Parliament and the appropriate oversight institutions to examine whether Ghana's existing appointment procedures provide sufficient safeguards for public confidence in the independence of the Electoral Commission.

Any reform should be undertaken through constitutional and lawful processes, with broad consultation and a clear commitment to protecting the Commission from partisan capture.

5. Civil society organisations and professional associations

I call on credible civil society organisations, governance advocates, professional associations and electoral reform groups to engage constructively in this debate.

Their role should be to promote transparency, establish clear standards for impartiality and advocate institutional safeguards that will remain relevant regardless of which political party forms the next government.

6. The National Peace Council

I call on the National Peace Council to engage relevant stakeholders in promoting constructive dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful engagement over the concerns surrounding the appointment.

Given its important role in promoting peace and preventing conflict, the Council should encourage political actors and other stakeholders to address their concerns through constitutional, institutional and non-confrontational means.

Its engagement should be impartial and guided by the overriding national interest, without prejudging the conduct or intentions of any individual.

7. Traditional authorities and the National House of Chiefs

I call on traditional authorities, including the National House of Chiefs and traditional councils across the country, to lend their respected voices to the promotion of democratic accountability, national unity and institutional integrity.

Traditional leaders occupy an important position in Ghanaian society and can help encourage political tolerance, responsible public discourse and respect for constitutional governance.

Their contribution should reinforce the principle that Ghana's democratic institutions belong to all citizens and must command public confidence irrespective of political affiliation.

8. The clergy and religious institutions

I call on Christian, Muslim and other recognised religious leaders to speak with moral clarity on the importance of integrity, fairness, impartiality and accountability in public service.

Religious institutions have an important role in shaping public values and encouraging responsible leadership. Their voices can remind political actors and public officeholders that positions of public trust must be exercised with integrity and a genuine commitment to the common good.

I encourage religious leaders to promote peaceful dialogue, discourage inflammatory political rhetoric and advocate justice, transparency and equal treatment under the law.

9. International democratic institutions and development partners

I encourage relevant international organisations and democratic governance partners working in Ghana to support constructive dialogue on electoral independence, institutional accountability and public confidence.

Such engagement should be impartial, evidence-based and respectful of Ghana's constitutional sovereignty.

The objective should not be to interfere in Ghana's domestic political affairs or prejudge an individual's conduct. It should be to support the strengthening of democratic institutions, transparent appointment practices and peaceful political competition.

Any international engagement should proceed through appropriate channels and respect the constitutional authority of Ghanaian institutions.

What should happen next?

The immediate priority should be a credible process for addressing the concerns raised by the appointment.

That process should consider the documented facts surrounding Mrs Agbenyo's previous political activities, the criteria applied in selecting her, the constitutional framework governing the appointment and the safeguards available to preserve her independence in office.

The outcome should be guided by evidence, constitutional requirements and the national interest rather than partisan pressure.

If the appointment is found to have complied with the applicable constitutional requirements, the authorities should explain how the concerns about perceived impartiality will be addressed.

If a lawful review identifies substantive deficiencies in the appointment process, the relevant authorities should take the corrective measures permitted by the Constitution and applicable law.

The governing principle must be that no individual, political party or government is above institutional accountability.

Equally, no individual should be condemned as guilty of misconduct merely because political opponents question their suitability.

The objective is to protect the institution, uphold fair standards and ensure that every appointment to a sensitive constitutional office inspires the confidence necessary for the effective discharge of its mandate.

My position: Ghana must come first

I wish to emphasise that my intervention is motivated by a commitment to democratic accountability, peaceful political competition and the long-term stability of our beloved country.

I recognise that Mrs Agbenyo is entitled to fair treatment, that her professional background deserves consideration and that allegations of misconduct must not be made without evidence.

At the same time, the public is entitled to ask difficult questions about appointments to institutions entrusted with protecting the democratic process.

Respect for individuals must not become an excuse for avoiding legitimate public scrutiny. Equally, political disagreement must not become a licence for personal attacks or unsupported accusations.

We can uphold both principles.

My concern is that the appointment, given the publicly documented political context, has created questions that deserve a serious and transparent institutional response. I believe those questions should be addressed in the interest of the Electoral Commission, the political parties and the Ghanaian people.

The credibility of our elections is too important to be reduced to a contest between political parties.

Today, one party may benefit politically from a particular decision. Tomorrow, the political circumstances may be different. But Ghana will always need an Electoral Commission that commands confidence across the political spectrum.

The true test of democratic leadership is not whether a government can appoint people it considers suitable. It is whether the process and outcome strengthen the institutions that protect every citizen, including those who did not vote for that government.

Conclusion: Protect the referee, protect the republic

Ghana stands to gain when its institutions command public confidence, political actors are held to consistent standards, and electoral processes are protected from partisan interference.

The controversy surrounding Emelia Afi Agbenyo's appointment presents an opportunity for the Presidency, the Electoral Commission, Parliament, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to institutional independence and accountability.

My position is that the selection process warrants transparent scrutiny, particularly regarding how the appointee's documented political involvement was assessed against the need to maintain public confidence in the Electoral Commission's impartiality.

This is not a declaration that Mrs Agbenyo has committed electoral misconduct. It is a call for transparency, accountability and the highest standards of institutional responsibility in a matter central to Ghana's democratic future.

The national interest must take precedence over partisan convenience. The Constitution must guide the exercise of public authority, and the credibility of our democratic institutions must remain a shared national responsibility.

The Electoral Commission belongs to Ghana and serves all Ghanaians, irrespective of their political affiliations. Its independence must therefore be protected, its leadership must command public confidence, and its decisions must be guided by the Constitution and applicable law.

Ultimately, protecting the credibility of the Electoral Commission is not about securing an advantage for one political party over another. It is about preserving the integrity of the democratic process and ensuring that Ghanaians can participate in elections with confidence in the institutions responsible for administering them.

When the referee is trusted, the democratic contest is strengthened. When electoral institutions command public confidence, Ghana's democracy is better placed to withstand political disagreements and sustain peaceful transfers of power.

Ghana first. Democracy always. National stability above partisan convenience.

About the author: Daniel Twumasi Kankam is a Disaster Management, Governance, Peace and Security Specialist