CODEO demands resignation of EC Deputy Chair Emelia Affi Agbenyo

The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has called for the immediate resignation of the newly appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Emelia Affi Agbenyo. The demand follows reports of her active involvement with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 election campaign. CODEO, supported by objections from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), argues that her appointment by President John Mahama undermines the commission's neutrality and risks eroding public confidence in Ghana's democratic institutions.

The objections are based on evidence of Ms. Affi Agbenyo's partisan activities, which CODEO noted were documented through various social media posts during the recent campaign cycle. The observer group emphasized that such a high level of political visibility is incompatible with the impartial role required of an EC commissioner. They have urged President Mahama to remain consistent with his previous positions against the politicization of state institutions, advocating for a transparent and merit-based appointment process to protect the integrity of future elections.

In defense of the appointment, Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated that the selection was part of an effort to address existing political biases within the commission. Other observers, including Solomon Owusu of the United Party and MP Kwame A Plus, have criticized the NPP's stance as hypocritical. They pointed to the previous administration's appointment of Dr. Peter Appiahene to the EC as a similar case, arguing that the Constitution does not explicitly disqualify individuals from the commission based on their political affiliations alone.

Addressing the controversy, Rev. Fr. Michael Quaicoe of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has called on Ms. Affi Agbenyo and fellow appointee Dr. Joseph Kwaku Asamoah to prioritize the Constitution over partisan interests. He emphasized that the EC must lead with transparency and ethical leadership to mitigate mistrust among stakeholders. As the debate continues, various groups are calling for broader electoral reforms to ensure that future appointments to the Electoral Commission are shielded from partisan disputes to maintain national stability.