Protect Ghanaians’ right to choose leaders freely – President Mahama to EC Deputies
President John Dramani Mahama has urged newly sworn-in Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission (EC), Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr. Joseph Kwaku Asamoah, to protect the right of Ghanaians to freely choose their leaders through credible, transparent and impartial elections.
He stressed that the Commission must apply the same standards to all political parties and candidates without favouritism, insisting that the integrity of Ghana’s electoral system depended on the fairness and professionalism of its officials.
President Mahama made the call when he swore in the two deputy chairpersons, reminding them that their primary responsibility was to the Republic of Ghana and its people.
“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,” he said.
The President emphasised that he expected no preferential treatment for himself, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) or his government from the Electoral Commission.
“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 stated.
He noted that elections remained central to Ghana’s democracy, enabling citizens to elect their leaders, hold governments accountable and determine the country’s future.
According to him, public confidence in the electoral process depended largely on the integrity, competence and fairness of the Electoral Commission.
President Mahama therefore urged the new deputy chairpersons to demonstrate courage in upholding the law, even when doing so might be inconvenient for political parties, candidates or other influential stakeholders.
He also called on them to make transparency and constructive engagement central to their work by listening to concerns raised by political parties, civil society organisations, the media and the general public.
Where concerns are justified, he said, the Commission must address them, while inaccurate information should be corrected with clear facts and mistakes promptly acknowledged and rectified.
“Citizens who ask questions about electoral processes deserve respectful answers. Such engagement can strengthen both the Commission and our democracy,” he added.
Mahama calls for inclusive electoral processes
The President further urged the Electoral Commission to ensure that all eligible citizens could participate in elections without unnecessary barriers.
He specifically mentioned persons with disabilities, older citizens, women, young people and voters in remote communities, stressing that electoral arrangements must enable them to exercise their democratic rights with dignity and confidence.
He said technology should improve the reliability and accessibility of electoral processes, but its deployment must be supported by proper testing, appropriate safeguards and clear communication to the public.
President Mahama also highlighted the importance of sustained preparation for credible elections, including accurate record-keeping, well-trained electoral officials, reliable logistics, secure systems and effective management of resources.
He called on the new deputy chairpersons to work closely with fellow commissioners and staff to strengthen professionalism, maintain consistent standards and resolve operational challenges promptly.
The President also reminded political parties, the media, citizens and security agencies of their respective responsibilities in protecting electoral integrity.
While political parties must act responsibly, he said, citizens must reject intimidation and violence, the media must verify information before publication, and security agencies must perform their duties professionally and impartially.
He assured the Electoral Commission that his government would support it in carrying out its mandate while respecting its independence.
New deputies bring varied experience
President Mahama congratulated Ms. Agbenyo and Dr. Asamoah on their appointments, noting that their complementary professional backgrounds could strengthen the Commission’s work.
Dr. Asamoah brings legal, financial and electoral expertise, including experience in audit, finance, training and election administration. The President urged him to use that experience to improve institutional systems, strengthen the preparation of electoral personnel and promote prudent resource management.
Ms. Agbenyo, on the other hand, brings experience in public administration, institutional leadership, development cooperation and stakeholder engagement, including her leadership role at the Ghana TVET Service.
The President also highlighted her experience in gender and disability inclusion, which he said would be valuable in making electoral participation more accessible.
He urged both officials to allow fairness, competence and the national interest to guide their decisions throughout their tenure.
