NewzPresident John Dramani Mahama has urged newly sworn-in Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission (EC), Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah, to discharge their duties impartially and without favour to any political party, candidate or government. He said the Commission must apply the same standards to all political actors and safeguard the right of Ghanaians to freely choose their leaders. Speaking at their swearing-in ceremony on Monday, October 12, President Mahama stressed that the officials’ primary responsibility was to the Republic and its people, warning that the authority of their office must be exercised with fairness and respect for the law.
Read also: Mahama swears in Emelia Afi Agbenyo, Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as EC Deputy Commissioners “As president, I expect no preferential treatment from the electoral commission for myself, my party, or my government,” he said. He urged the two officials to demonstrate the courage to uphold electoral integrity, even when their decisions might be inconvenient to those in power. “I expect an institution that applies the same standards to everyone and protects Ghanaians’ right to choose their leaders freely,” he added.
President Mahama also called for measures to make electoral participation accessible to all citizens, regardless of physical, social or communication barriers. He encouraged Ms Agbenyo and Dr Asamoah to draw on their complementary professional backgrounds to strengthen the Commission’s operations and deliver effective service to the Ghanaian people. On public confidence, the President said trust in the EC must be earned through consistent conduct, transparent procedures, clear explanations of decisions, timely responses to concerns and the fulfilment of commitments.
He therefore urged the new Deputy Chairpersons to make transparency and constructive engagement central to their work, as the Commission seeks to maintain public confidence in the electoral process. He said their appointments came with a significant responsibility to protect the foundations of Ghana’s democracy by ensuring that every eligible citizen could participate in elections and every valid vote was counted. He urged the two officials to ensure that the will of the people is accurately reflected in electoral outcomes.
President Mahama highlighted Dr Asamoah’s background in law, accountancy, economics and election administration, noting that his experience within the Commission’s audit, finance and training departments had equipped him with practical knowledge of its operations. He encouraged Dr Asamoah to use his expertise in election administration, results management and electoral officer training to strengthen institutional systems, improve staff preparation and ensure the responsible management of public resources. The President also commended Ms Agbenyo’s experience in public administration, institutional leadership, development cooperation and stakeholder engagement.
He noted that her leadership at the Ghana TVET Service, which involved coordinating nationwide operations and supporting policy implementation, had prepared her for the demands of an institution that required effective planning and coordination across the country. President Mahama urged both officials to bring their respective expertise to bear on the work of the Commission, stressing the importance of competence, accountability and fairness in the administration of elections. President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission (EC).
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