Mahama swears in new EC deputy chairpersons, charges them to uphold impartiality

President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kweku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission (EC), filling two vacancies created by the departure of their predecessors.

The ceremony took place at the Jubilee House on Monday, October 12, 2026, with the President urging the new officials to safeguard the independence and impartiality of the electoral process.

He charged them to ensure that the Commission treats all political parties and candidates fairly, regardless of their political affiliation or relationship with the government.

“Your duty is to the Republic of Ghana and its people. You must discharge your responsibilities without favour towards any political party, any candidate, or government,” President Mahama said.

He also stated that his administration should not receive preferential treatment from the electoral body, insisting that the same rules must apply to all political actors.

“As President, I expect no preferential treatment from the Electoral Commission for myself, my party, or my government. I expect an institution that applies the same standards to everyone and protects Ghanaians’ right to choose their leaders freely,” he added.

The President urged the new deputy chairpersons to remain firm in carrying out their responsibilities, particularly when enforcing the law could prove inconvenient for those in authority.

“You must have the courage to uphold what is right even when it is inconvenient for those in power,” he said.

The appointments follow the exit of Dr Bossman Eric Asare, the former Deputy Chairperson responsible for Corporate Affairs, and Samuel Tettey, who was in charge of Operations.

Dr Asare’s resignation took effect on July 31, 2026, as he prepared to return to academia at the University of Ghana. Mr Tettey, meanwhile, left the Commission after attaining the mandatory retirement age.

The departures created vacancies in the Commission’s senior leadership at a time when it continues to manage Ghana’s electoral processes and undertake preparations for future elections.

Madam Agbenyo joins the Commission from the Ghana TVET Service, where she served as Deputy Director for Operations.

Dr Asamoah brings experience from within the EC, having previously served as Director of Finance, Director of the Training Centre and Head of Audit. He is also a law lecturer at KNUST.

The EC is constitutionally responsible for organising and supervising public elections in Ghana. Its work includes managing electoral processes and helping ensure that eligible citizens can vote and that electoral outcomes reflect the will of voters.

The new deputy chairpersons are therefore expected to contribute to the Commission’s leadership and administration as it carries out these responsibilities.

In his address, President Mahama emphasised that their performance must be guided by fairness and the law rather than political considerations, underscoring the importance of public confidence in the electoral process.