Accra:Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has raised concerns about perceived double standards in the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC). He emphasized the importance of maintaining political neutrality in such appointments, regardless of the ruling party.
According to Ghana Web, Ablakwa acknowledged that although President John Dramani Mahama's appointment of Agbenyo was constitutionally sound, it raised questions about political bias. He pointed out the previous opposition by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to similar appointments made by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In contrast, Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu defended the appointment, arguing that it was part of the NDC's strategy to 'tilt the balance' within the EC. Ofosu, who is also the Minister for Government Communications, stated that the appointment aimed to counterbalance the perceived dominance of NPP-affiliated members in the commission.
Ablakwa, speaking on JoyNews, stressed that political power changes should not alter the principles guiding appointments to the EC. He called for the institution to be comprised of neutral individuals to ensure public confidence in its impartiality.
The controversy has rekindled memories of the backlash against President Nana Akufo-Addo's appointment of EC members in March 2023. The appointments of Dr. Peter Appiahene, Reverend Akua Ofori-Boateng, and Hajia Salima Ahmed Tijani faced criticism due to their alleged political affiliations.
Kwakye Ofosu, in a discussion on Joy FM, acknowledged public concerns about Agbenyo's appointment but insisted that her performance would ultimately address these apprehensions. He also criticized the NPP for appointing politically affiliated individuals to state institutions, questioning why the EC's composition should not be adjusted if it predominantly comprises NPP members.
The debate highlights ongoing tensions regarding political neutrality at the EC, with opposition figures questioning the impartiality of recent appointments and their potential impact on public trust in the electoral process.
She had also hosted the gospel talk show #995TheWord on Asaase Radio, associated with NPP-linked Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a cousin of the then President, Akufo-Addo.