Veteran journalist, Pan-Africanist and Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr., has questioned President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to appoint Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), arguing that her political background raises concerns about the perceived neutrality of the electoral management body.
Speaking on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo morning show on Tuesday, October 13, Mr Pratt questioned why the President could not appoint someone without an apparent political association to the position, given the importance of public confidence in the Electoral Commission.
“I don’t understand. So President John Dramani Mahama couldn’t find any politically neutral person to be the Deputy EC chair? I don’t think this should be the way we must go as a country,” he stated.
President Mahama on Monday, October 12, swore in Madam Agbenyo and Joseph Kwaku Asamoah Esq., as Deputy Chairpersons of the EC.
Their appointments follow the resignation of Dr Bossman Asare, the former Deputy Chairperson in charge of Corporate Affairs, which took effect on July 31, 2026, and the retirement of Samuel Tettey, the former Deputy Chairperson responsible for Operations.
Madam Agbenyo’s appointment has triggered debate among political stakeholders, particularly the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which has questioned her suitability for the position.
The Minority argues that her appointment could undermine confidence in the EC, citing videos circulating on social media in which she is seen campaigning for then-presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama.
Members of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), however, have defended the President’s decision, arguing that an appointee’s political background does not necessarily influence the outcome of elections.
The debate has also revived discussions about the appointment of Professor Appiahene, whose perceived political exposure attracted criticism in 2023.
Reacting to the controversy, Mr Pratt questioned the consistency of political actors who opposed the appointment of a politically exposed individual in the past but are now defending a similar appointment.
“If we kicked against the appointment of a politically exposed person yesterday, why are we embracing the same today?” he asked.
Mr Pratt said he had heard that Madam Agbenyo served on the NDC’s manifesto committee and acted as its spokesperson during the preparation and presentation of the party’s manifesto.
He questioned whether those who criticised Professor Appiahene’s appointment could now legitimately support Madam Agbenyo’s appointment without applying the same standards.
“Truth is told, those of us who spoke against the appointment of Dr Appiahene, do we have the moral right to graciously speak in favour of this too?” he quizzed.
