John Dramani Mahama swears in two new deputy EC chairpersons

President John Dramani Mahama has officially sworn into office two new Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr. Joseph Kwaku Asamoah and Emelia Afi Agbenyo. The ceremony, held at Jubilee House on October 12, 2026, fills critical vacancies created by the resignation of Dr. Bossman Asare and the retirement of Samuel Tettey. During the inauguration, President Mahama charged the new appointees to uphold the highest standards of neutrality, professionalism, and integrity to protect the voting rights of all Ghanaians.

Both appointees bring diverse professional backgrounds to the commission. Dr. Joseph Kwaku Asamoah is a law lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) with over 17 years of experience in electoral governance, having previously served as the EC’s Director of Finance and Head of Audit. Emelia Afi Agbenyo joins the commission from her previous role as Deputy Director for Operations at the Ghana TVET Service. Her expertise in international development and gender advocacy is expected to enhance electoral accessibility and inclusion for marginalized groups and persons with disabilities.

President Mahama emphasized that he expects no preferential treatment for himself, his government, or the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He urged the new commissioners to resist political pressures and treat all political actors equally, asserting that the commission's credibility depends on its ability to apply the law without bias. "I expect no preferential treatment from the EC for myself as President, my party, or the government," Mahama stated, calling for transparent engagement with stakeholders to combat misinformation and strengthen public trust.

In response to the appointment, Dr. Asamoah pledged that the commission would prioritize national interests over partisan politics. He acknowledged a decline in public confidence in the commission over recent years and vowed to pursue electoral reforms that ensure every citizen's vote counts. This commitment to neutrality follows concerns raised by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) regarding Ms. Agbenyo’s past activities. However, presidential staffers and NDC officials defended her appointment, citing her professional qualifications and asserting that her involvement in advocacy does not compromise her constitutional independence.

The appointments are viewed as a vital step in bolstering the Electoral Commission's leadership as it prepares for upcoming electoral cycles. President Mahama reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the EC's independence while urging the commission to modernize its operations through improved technology and clearer communication. Dr. Asamoah concluded by calling for a collective responsibility from political parties, civil society, and the public to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s democratic process.