President John Dramani Mahama has urged newly sworn-in Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission (EC), Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah, to uphold impartiality and ensure that every political party is treated equally under the law.
He said the Commission must remain independent in its decisions and protect the right of Ghanaians to freely elect their leaders, regardless of which political party controls the government.
Speaking at their swearing-in ceremony on Monday, October 12, 2026, Mahama reminded the two officials that their primary responsibility was to the Republic and its citizens, rather than any political party or administration.
“As president, I expect no preferential treatment from the Electoral Commission for myself, my party, or my government,” he said.
The President stressed that the Commission must apply the same standards to all political parties, even when doing so could result in decisions that are unpopular with the government or other political actors.
“I expect an institution that applies the same standards to everyone and protects Ghanaians’ right to choose their leaders freely,” he added.
Mahama also called on the new Deputy Chairpersons to help make electoral participation more accessible, particularly for citizens who face physical, social or communication barriers.
He encouraged Agbenyo and Asamoah to draw on their respective professional experiences to improve the Commission’s operations and strengthen the services it provides to the public.
On restoring and maintaining public confidence in the EC, the President said trust must be earned through the institution’s conduct rather than demanded from citizens.
He urged the officials to prioritise transparency in the Commission’s procedures, clearly explain its decisions and respond promptly to concerns raised by the public and other stakeholders.
Mahama further highlighted the importance of keeping commitments and maintaining constructive engagement with stakeholders as part of efforts to build confidence in the electoral process.
He said the two officials had an important role to play in strengthening the Commission’s credibility through fairness, transparency and respect for the law.
The President’s message places impartiality and public accountability at the centre of the responsibilities facing the new Deputy Chairpersons as they begin their work at the EC.
