Senyo Hosi, convenor of the One Ghana Movement and policy analyst, has condemned President John Dramani Mahama’s recent appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC). Hosi described the move as one of his biggest disappointments with the current administration.
President Mahama appointed Emelia Afi Agbenyo alongside Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah to serve as Deputy Chairpersons of the EC. Agbenyo’s prior work as a spokesperson for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto and her role as Director of Legal Affairs for the party’s Women’s Wing have sparked controversy. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) immediately called for her appointment to be withdrawn, citing concerns about impartiality.
Hosi stated that his criticism is rooted in worries over the perceived independence of the EC. “The woman’s competence is not the problem. No, it isn’t. Because that’s not being a matter. Article 46 is about the independence of our electoral commissions,” he said during an appearance on TV3. He argued that the independence of the electoral body must not only be guaranteed in law but also be clear in how the institution is constituted and perceived by the public.
“This is one of two disappointments I have in the Mahama presidency. I like and I love Mahama. I have to be clear about that,” Hosi said. “Because of the tone of the governance that we saw, this is one of my biggest disappointments. Honestly.” He stressed that his objection is not directed at Agbenyo’s qualifications or professionalism but about maintaining public confidence in the neutrality of the EC.
The debate over Agbenyo’s appointment has intensified after Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, defended the decision. Kwakye Ofosu argued that a reset of state institutions might require balancing what he described as uneven structures left by the previous administration. “Felix, we voted for a reset. We didn’t vote for equalization. We didn’t vote for tilting,” Hosi responded.
Hosi acknowledged the challenges Kwakye Ofosu faces in his role but urged the government to consider the implications of such appointments on public trust. His comments came amid ongoing discussions about how appointments to the EC’s leadership could affect the commission’s reputation for political neutrality and independence.
The controversy adds to existing tensions in Ghana’s political landscape, where the independence of the EC remains a sensitive issue. The commission’s leadership is expected to administer elections impartially, and any perceived alignment with a political party can trigger public skepticism.
Agbenyo’s appointment follows a pattern of political appointments that critics say blur the lines between partisan interests and state institutions. Yet her defenders argue that such nominations can bring balance to institutions they claim were skewed under previous governments.
Hosi’s remarks reflect a broader concern about how electoral commissions worldwide must be seen as independent not just by law but in practice. The credibility of electoral processes depends heavily on this perception, especially in politically charged environments.
The government’s decision to proceed with Agbenyo’s appointment despite opposition signals its stance on reshaping state institutions. For Hosi, the move contradicts the administration’s earlier promises of governance reform.
The issue remains unresolved as political parties and civil society continue to debate the implications of the appointment on Ghana’s electoral integrity.
According to Joy Online.
