NPP Communications Director Dennis Miracles Aboagye has criticised the government over the appointment of Emelia Afi Agenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), alleging that the decision raises concerns about political influence over an independent institution.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News in an interview on October 12, 2026, Aboagye described the appointment as shameful, claiming that Agenyo had been selected from the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s database.
“It’s a shame. We have a government and a party that doesn’t even see how embarrassing it is to simply go into the party’s database and pick one of their political party operatives and appoint her as a Deputy Electoral Commissioner. It is a complete shame,” he said.
Aboagye argued that Ghana had made significant progress in strengthening its democracy and should be careful not to allow partisan considerations to undermine the independence of key public institutions.
He said appointments to bodies such as the Electoral Commission should not create the perception that political parties are seeking to influence institutions responsible for safeguarding the democratic process.
“We have come very far as a country trying to build our democracy. And one of the things we know we don’t do is to try and touch some of these independent bodies in such a very, very blatant manner,” he said.
The NPP communicator also linked his criticism to the government’s handling of the judiciary, alleging that the administration had unfairly targeted the Chief Justice before turning its attention to the Electoral Commission.
“You know, this government went after our Chief Justice by illegally bullying her and removing her. Now they’re going to the Electoral Commission as well,” he added.
His comments followed the appointment and swearing-in of Agenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission by President John Dramani Mahama on October 12, 2026.
During the ceremony, Mahama urged the two officials to remain impartial and ensure that no political party received preferential treatment. He said the Commission had a responsibility to protect the right of Ghanaians to freely choose their leaders.
The appointments have brought renewed attention to questions about the independence of the Electoral Commission and the importance of public confidence in the institution.
While Aboagye has questioned the political background of one of the appointees, his remarks reflect his position on the appointments rather than an established finding that the Commission’s independence has been compromised.
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