On Saturday, October 17, Kamaldeen Abdulai, a member of the New Patriotic Party’s Communications Team, voiced concerns on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue that appointing individuals with perceived political ties to the Electoral Commission (EC) could erode its independence and set a dangerous precedent for future administrations.
Abdulai argued that such appointments risk creating a pattern where each incoming government seeks to replace EC officials aligned with their political opponents. “In any case we come to power we can also say that, we would also have to come up with ways and means to get the elements of NDC out and also put NPP there and that is not the way to go,” he said, warning that this approach endangers Ghana’s electoral system.
The comments come after President John Dramani Mahama’s swearing‑in of Emelia Affi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kweku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the EC on October 12. Critics have questioned Agbenyo’s alleged affiliation with the governing National Democratic Congress, sparking debate over the Commission’s political neutrality.
Abdulai also referenced former Deputy EC Chairperson Dr Bossman Asare’s resignation on July 31, 2026, to return to academia, suggesting behind‑the‑scenes factors may have influenced his departure, though no evidence was presented.
During the ceremony, President Mahama urged the new deputies to perform their duties without favoritism toward any party, candidate or government, emphasizing the Commission’s role in safeguarding Ghanaians’ right to choose their leaders freely.
Observers will watch how the EC navigates these appointments and whether the commission maintains its impartiality amid political pressures.
