Mahama tasks new EC deputy chairpersons to uphold impartiality

President John Dramani Mahama has charged newly sworn-in Electoral Commission (EC) Deputy Chairpersons Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kweku Asamoah to remain impartial and safeguard the right of Ghanaians to freely elect their leaders.

Speaking at their swearing-in ceremony on Monday, October 12, 2026, the President stressed that the two officials must discharge their duties without favouring any political party, candidate or government.

“So let me state clearly. Your duty is to the Republic of Ghana and its people. You must discharge your responsibilities without favour towards any political party, any candidate or government,” he said.

“The authority that accompanies your office must always be exercised with fairness, restraint and fidelity to the law.”

Mr Mahama further said the Commission must apply the same rules and standards to all political actors, including his own government and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“As President, I expect no preferential treatment from the Electoral Commission for myself, my party, or my government. I expect an institution that applies the same standards to everyone and protects Ghanaians' right to choose their leaders freely,” he said.

He also urged the new deputy chairpersons to demonstrate the courage to uphold the law, even when their decisions might be uncomfortable for those in positions of authority.

“You must have the courage to uphold what is right even when it is inconvenient for those in power,” he added.

Ms Agbenyo previously served as Deputy Director for Operations at the Ghana TVET Service, while Dr Asamoah is a law lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

Dr Asamoah also brings experience from his previous roles at the EC, where he served as Director of Finance, Director of the Training Centre and Head of Audit.

Their appointments follow the resignation of Dr Bossman Asare, who was responsible for Corporate Affairs, effective July 31, 2026, and the retirement of Samuel Tettey, the former Deputy Chairperson in charge of Operations, after attaining the mandatory retirement age.

The appointments fill vacancies in the Commission’s senior leadership as it continues to oversee elections and protect the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process.