The optics aren’t good; I would have preferred a different situation – Ablakwa on Agbenyo’s EC appointment

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has highlighted the competence and integrity of Emelia Affi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, despite expressing reservations about her appointment due to her affiliation with the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Among those criticised in the NDC over her appointment is Mr Ablakwa, who in the past condemned the appointment of some EC commissioners perceived to be aligned with the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 17, Mr Ablakwa admitted that the appointment doesn’t bode well for the optics, and that people referencing the NDC’s position in the past can do so legitimately.

Nonetheless, Mr Ablakwa said he could vouch for the independence, integrity and competence of the new Deputy Chair. “I have to emphasise that I have known Madam Affi Agbenyo since my student activism days; many student leaders know her. She is very independent, fearless, and when she makes up her mind, you cannot… She was SRC Secretary.

I am not taking anything away from her competence, and the fact that she can do the job and she is a woman of integrity,” the Minister said. The swearing-in of 43-year-old Emelia Affi Agbenyo has stoked controversy following her affiliation with the incumbent National Democratic Congress (NDC). The young international development cooperation professional is on record as having served as a spokesperson for the NDC on governance in the 2024 general elections.

Since her appointment, social media has been awash with some posts she made in the past that were deemed political in support of the NDC. A video of her speaking on a media platform as a representative of the NDC has also gone viral. As a result, many have questioned her independence and neutrality in such a sensitive office.

For many of the critics, the NDC has acted hypocritically, considering it criticised the then New Patriotic Party administration for similar appointments. READ ALSO: Who’s Emelia Affi Agbenyo, the 43-year-old newly sworn-in Deputy EC Chair? Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has acknowledged concerns about Emelia Affi Agbenyo’s appointment as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission as a result of her parisan leaning to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Mr Ablakwa said the optics surrounding the appointment were unfavourable and that he would have preferred a different situation. “She [Affi Agbenyo] is a woman of integrity, but the optics don’t look good. I have always maintained that let us have very neutral, independent architects appointed to the EC,” he said.