Accra:In a recent statement, Japhet Festus Gbede, an aspiring Deputy Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Akatsi South Constituency, criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for its response to President John Dramani Mahama's appointment of two Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission. He accused the NPP of double standards and selective outrage concerning political appointments.
According to Ghana Web, Japhet expressed his views in a Facebook post, questioning the consistency of the NPP's stance on Electoral Commission appointments. He pointed out that the party seems to be applying a different standard under the Mahama administration compared to its time in government under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The controversy arose after President Mahama appointed Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr. Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission on October 12, 2026. This decision has sparked political debate, particularly regarding the perceived political affiliations of one of the appointees.
Japhet drew parallels with the appointments of Dr. Peter Appiahene, Hajia Salima Ahmed Tijani, and Rev. Akua Ofori-Boateng to the Electoral Commission in March 2023. At that time, the NDC raised concerns about the perceived partisan affiliations of the appointees, while the NPP, then in government, defended the appointments. Japhet questioned why the NPP is now concerned about political neutrality following President Mahama's appointments.
He described the NPP's position as political hypocrisy and called for consistency in the interpretation of constitutional principles by political parties, whether in government or opposition. Japhet argued that if the NPP believes the latest appointments do not meet constitutional requirements, it should present evidence and clarify its objections.
Furthermore, Japhet emphasized the importance of the Electoral Commission as a democratic institution that should not fall victim to partisan disagreements. He urged for the protection of its independence and credibility through evidence-based arguments and consistent standards.
Looking ahead to the 2028 general elections, Japhet challenged the NPP to reconsider its approach to opposition politics and focus on presenting coherent arguments backed by evidence. He stressed that Ghana deserves an opposition capable of scrutinizing the government effectively and consistently applying principles, regardless of who is in power.