By Francis Kobena Tandoh
The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rejected the appointment of Emelia Affi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), according to a statement by the party late Tuesday.
The statement, signed by Dennis Miracles Aboagye, National Communications Director of the NPP, said Madam Agbenyo is a known member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) who was seen openly campaigning for the party prior to the 2024 general election.
“The attention of the New Patriotic Party has been drawn to the appointment of Madam Emelia Agbengyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission by President John Dramani Mahama. We wish to state clearly that the party rejects this appointment,” read the statement.
It added, “Madam Agbenyo served as NDC’s governance sector spokesperson during the preparation of the party’s 2024 manifesto. She spoke for the NDC as it campaigned for power. She is seen in videos on NDC campaign rally platforms campaigning with and for the NDC. She is seen in NDC campaign T-shirts openly advocating for the NDC. Less than two years on, the President has placed her among the top leadership of the institution that will conduct the 2028 general elections. We find this unacceptable.”
According to the NPP, it cannot trust an active NDC operative will demonstrate respect for the law, neutrality, and transparency in her work as Deputy Chairperson of the electoral management body.
The opposition party said it is hypocritical on the part of President Mahama to criticize the appointment of persons he described as party activists to the EC, which he could not prove as opposition leader, and turn round to do the same while in government.
The NPP also expressed worry about the speech made by Dr. Joseph Asamoah after they had been sworn into office by the President. According to the party, his remarks were troubling and have the potential to undermine the stability of the country.
According to the party, his comments “bore the hallmarks of a partisan agenda, one that aligned with the interest of the NDC.”
The main opposition party called on President Mahama to withdraw the appointment and urged the Council of State to explain to Ghanaians the kind of advice it gave on the appointment of the duo of the EC leadership positions.
It further urged civil society organizations, religious bodies, the media, and all well-meaning Ghanaians to add their voices to the call by the party.
President Mahama on Monday swore Emefa Afi Agbenyo and Dr. Joseph Kweku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons to replace Dr. Eric Bossman Asare and Sameul Tettey, who resigned and retired, respectively. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
