Appointing NDC’s Emelia Agbenyo to EC part of 'reset' to 'tilt the balance of packed NPP' — Kwakye Ofosu

Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has admitted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) deliberately appointed Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) to “tilt the balance” in the political composition of the institution.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said the appointment was intended to address what he described as an imbalance in the commission’s political representation.

He acknowledged that Ms Agbenyo’s previous political activities in support of the NDC had raised concerns among some members of the public but expressed confidence that her conduct in office would demonstrate her professionalism and impartiality.

"I have acknowledged that there are people who have legitimate concerns, but those concerns in my view will be mitigated by the conduct of Madam Afi [Emelia Afi Agbenyo] herself in the role that she's been given," he said.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu also accused the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) of hypocrisy for opposing the appointment, arguing that the party had previously appointed individuals affiliated with it to state institutions.

He questioned why the existing political composition of the EC should remain unchanged if, as he claimed, several commissioners were associated with the NPP.

The government spokesperson further linked the appointment to the NDC’s Reset Agenda, which he said included efforts to address perceived imbalances in state institutions.

"The other issue is that you see a Reset could also mean balancing the lopsided state institutions. Why is it acceptable for us to have a situation where out of seven commissioners who manage Ghana's elections, almost four of them are NPPs? Why should we live with that? What is wrong with tilting the balance?" he asked.

When asked directly whether “tilting the balance” meant appointing an NDC member to the Electoral Commission, Mr Kwakye Ofosu responded: "Yes."

The comments come amid criticism from the NPP, which has called on President John Dramani Mahama to revoke Ms Agbenyo’s appointment over concerns about her political neutrality.

At the swearing-in ceremony for Ms Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah, the President urged the two newly appointed deputy chairpersons to discharge their responsibilities independently and impartially.