Akosua Manu, Special Adviser on Gender and Social Protection to former Vice‑President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, blasted the appointment of Affi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, October 17.
Ms Manu said the NDC had long opposed the inclusion of individuals she deemed politically affiliated in the EC under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, arguing that such appointments risked compromising impartiality.
She added that the same standard should now apply to the current government following the swearing‑in of two new Deputy Chairpersons, stating, “Based on the NDC’s own principles, Affi Agbenyo has no business being Deputy EC Chair.”
Ms Manu recalled the party’s earlier condemnation of former EC Chairperson Jean Mensa’s appointment, describing it as “indecent” and “a gross abuse of discretionary powers.” She questioned why the party’s stance had shifted after returning to power.
She also cited remarks by President John Mahama in May 2024, when he criticised former President Nana Akufo‑Addo’s appointments to the EC, noting that Mahama had warned against politically exposed individuals and those linked to the NPP’s Tertiary Students Confederacy Network (TESCON) being appointed.
According to Ms Manu, the President’s earlier position appeared inconsistent with the appointment of Ms Agbenyo. She pointed to Mahama’s exhortation that EC officials serve the Republic of Ghana “without political bias,” urging fairness, transparency and the application of law without fear or favour.
Ms Manu asked what had changed in less than two years to justify appointing someone she described as a “known NDC activist.” She rejected the argument that the current government was merely following the precedent set by the NPP, saying it would undermine the NDC’s promise to reset public institutions.
She also called for greater clarity on the role of the Council of State in the appointment process, noting she had not seen a clear account of the Council’s position.
When asked if she regretted the appointment of former EC member Dr Peter Appiahene, Ms Manu said she did not regret placing a competent person in a position, but lamented the apparent inconsistency in the NDC’s stance over time.
Ms Manu’s remarks highlight ongoing tensions over perceived political bias within Ghana’s electoral institutions and the NDC’s commitment to impartiality.
