Accra:Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has criticized President John Dramani Mahama for appointing Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission. Agbenyo's previous involvement with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), especially her role in the party's manifesto committee before the 2024 general elections, has sparked concerns about the Electoral Commission's political neutrality.
According to Ghana Web, Kpebu expressed his shock at the President's decision, which he believes contradicts Mahama's promised reset agenda during the 2024 general election campaign. Kpebu described the appointment as a "reset in reverse," questioning its alignment with Mahama's legacy and expressing disbelief upon hearing the news.
Kpebu criticized the perceived double standard in Mahama's actions, highlighting that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo faced condemnation for similar appointments. Kpebu warned that he might reconsider his support for Mahama if future appointments continue to undermine the Electoral Commission's integrity.
He recalled how the NDC previously criticized the Director of the EC in 2024, emphasizing that this pattern of appointments could be detrimental. Kpebu noted that the current situation is a "strong race to the bottom" and questioned whether he would continue to support Mahama in the future. The appointment has drawn criticism from various quarters, with concerns about Agbenyo's past affiliations affecting the Commission's perceived neutrality.