Emelia Afi Agbenyo is sufficiently qualified to serve as chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC), rather than deputy chair, according to Rashid Tanko Computer, Deputy Director of Elections and IT of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Tanko Computer defended President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment of Agbenyo, despite concerns over her known association with the NDC.
“She is even supposed to be the Commissioner but not a Deputy because she is very much qualified,” he said on TV3’s Daily Brief on Monday, October 12.
The appointment has prompted debate over whether individuals with links to political parties should hold senior positions at the Electoral Commission.
Dr Asah-Asante, a Political Science Lecturer at UG, said members of the commission must be impartial and beyond political influence.
“The people we need are people above board and not people that are partisan. If it is the case that [Emelia Afi Agbenyo] is an NDC sympathiser or faithful, then we have a problem on our hands,” Dr Asante said on TV3’s News 360 on Monday.
President Mahama has instructed Agbenyo and the other new Deputy Chairperson, Joseph Kwaku Asamoah (Esq.), to perform their duties fairly and without favouring any candidate or political party.
The president spoke during the pair’s swearing-in ceremony on Monday, October 12. He urged them to use their experience in the service of the people of Ghana and stressed that he expected no special treatment for his government or party.
“Ensure that every eligible citizen can participate in our electoral process and that every valid vote counts and reflects the will of the people.
“The duty is to the people of Ghana and its people, discharge your duty without favouring any candidate or party. I expect no preferential treatment for myself, my govt and party,” President Mahama said.
The appointments fill vacancies created by the departure of Dr Bossman Asare and the retirement of Samuel Tettey, while strengthening the commission’s leadership as it carries out its electoral responsibilities.
Agbenyo is Deputy Director for Operations at the Ghana TVET Service. Dr Joseph Kweku Asamoah, a law lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), previously served in several senior roles at the Electoral Commission.
His former positions include Director of Finance, Director of the Training Centre and Head of Audit.
Dr Bossman Asare, who was responsible for Corporate Affairs, resigned with effect from July 31, 2026, to return to academia at the University of Ghana. Samuel Tettey, the former Deputy Chairperson responsible for Operations, left the commission after reaching the mandatory retirement age.
