‘Mahama has lost his moral high ground’ – Dr Zaato on Affi Agbenyo’s EC appointment

A Senior Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr Joshua Zaato Jebuntie, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama over the appointment of Emelia Affi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC).

The appointment of Ms Affi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the EC by President Mahama on Monday, October 12, has triggered debate over perceived partisan affiliation.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has alleged that she was actively involved in the NDC’s political activities and its 2024 election campaign.

In response, the government has defended the appointments, with Minister of State in charge of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu saying the move was intended to address what the government considers a partisan imbalance at the commission.

However, reacting he accused the President of abandoning the principles he espoused while criticising the previous NPP administration over its appointment of Dr. Bossman Asare to the commission.

Speaking on Accra-based TV3’s New Day on Wednesday, October 14, Dr Zaato argued that the controversy raises questions about political integrity, consistency and the credibility of politicians.

“This appointment stinks of the highest order,” he said, arguing that the decision undermines public confidence in politicians and raises questions about whether political leaders act on principle or convenience.

Dr Zaato said Mr Mahama had previously criticised former President Nana Akufo-Addo over the appointment of Dr. Asare, whom the then opposition NDC accused of having partisan links to the NPP.

He argued that Mr Mahama had promised to govern differently and uphold the independence and neutrality of state institutions, making the latest appointment difficult to reconcile with those commitments.

According to the lecturer, the controversy is not simply about whether Ms Agbenyo is qualified for the position, but whether the President has applied the same standards he demanded of his predecessor.

“Where are those principles, Mr President? Where is the moral high ground you claim you had? Where are the virtues and the principles that you said you embodied? And what makes you different from Akufo-Addo?” he asked.