The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rejected the appointment of Emelia Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), calling on President John Dramani Mahama to withdraw the appointment.
In a statement issued on October 13, 2026, and signed by its National Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the party questioned Ms Agbenyo’s suitability for the position, citing her alleged political affiliation with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The NPP said Ms Agbenyo served as the NDC’s governance sector spokesperson during the preparation of the party’s 2024 manifesto and participated in its campaign activities ahead of the 2024 general elections.
According to the opposition party, her alleged involvement in partisan political activities raises concerns about her ability to discharge her responsibilities at the Electoral Commission impartially.
The party argued that appointing a person it considers politically aligned with the governing party to a senior position at the electoral management body could undermine public confidence in the Commission.
The NPP also recalled comments made by President Mahama in March 2023, when he reportedly criticised the appointment of individuals he described as party activists to the Electoral Commission and called for an amendment to Article 43(2) of the Constitution to require parliamentary approval for such appointments.
It accused the President of acting contrary to the position he had previously advocated.
The statement warned that public confidence in the Electoral Commission was essential to ensuring trust in electoral processes, including voter registration, constituency boundary decisions and the declaration of election results.
The NPP further called on the Council of State to explain to Ghanaians the advice it gave regarding the appointment.
It also urged the government to use the ongoing constitutional review process to reform the procedure for appointing members of the Electoral Commission, in line with proposals the President reportedly made in 2023.
The party expressed concern over remarks made by Mr Asamoah during his acceptance speech, describing them as potentially partisan and capable of undermining the country’s peace and stability if left unchallenged.
The NPP maintained that it would use all lawful means available to protect the integrity of Ghana’s electoral system and called on civil society organisations, religious bodies, the media and the public to support its position.
