Mahama swears in EC Deputy Chairpersons, charges them to serve Ghana, not political parties

President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr. Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission (EC), charging them to prioritise Ghana’s national interest over partisan considerations.

The President urged the two officials to discharge their duties with impartiality, fairness and integrity, warning against favouritism towards any political party, candidate or government.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, President Mahama stressed that the credibility of Ghana’s elections depended on the Commission’s ability to protect the rights of voters and ensure that the will of the people was accurately reflected in electoral outcomes.

“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 stated.

He emphasised that the authority entrusted to the new deputy chairpersons must be exercised with fairness, restraint and strict adherence to the law.

President Mahama assured the Commission of his government’s support while reaffirming its independence, stating that he expected the same standards to apply to all political parties and candidates.

“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 said.

He urged the officials to demonstrate courage in upholding electoral laws, particularly when their decisions might be unpopular with political interests or other stakeholders.

According to him, public confidence in the EC must be earned through transparent procedures, consistent conduct, timely responses to concerns and a willingness to acknowledge and correct mistakes.

The President also encouraged the new deputy chairpersons to maintain constructive engagement with political parties, civil society organisations, the media and citizens to address concerns and strengthen trust in the electoral process.

“Citizens who ask questions about electoral processes deserve respectful answers. Such engagement can strengthen both the Commission and our democracy,” he added.

Mahama outlines priorities for credible elections

President Mahama underscored the need for accurate electoral records, well-trained personnel, reliable logistics, secure systems and prudent management of public resources to ensure credible elections.

He called on the Commission to deploy technology in ways that improve the reliability and accessibility of elections, supported by proper testing, adequate safeguards and clear public communication.

He further urged the EC to adopt practical measures to enable persons with disabilities, older citizens, women, young people and eligible voters in remote communities to participate in elections with dignity and confidence.

The President maintained that safeguarding electoral integrity was a shared national responsibility.

He called on political parties to act responsibly, citizens to reject intimidation and violence, the media to verify information before publication, and security agencies to perform their duties professionally and impartially.

Complementary experience to strengthen EC

Congratulating the new deputy chairpersons, President Mahama said their professional backgrounds offered complementary strengths that could improve the Commission’s operations.

He noted that Dr. Asamoah brought legal, financial and electoral expertise, supported by experience in audit, finance, training, election administration and resource management.

The President urged him to draw on that experience to strengthen institutional systems, improve the preparation of electoral personnel and promote the prudent use of public funds.

Ms. Agbenyo, he said, brought extensive experience in public administration, institutional leadership, development cooperation and stakeholder engagement, including her leadership at the Ghana TVET Service.

He also highlighted her experience in gender and disability inclusion, describing it as valuable to efforts to make electoral participation accessible to all eligible citizens.

President Mahama encouraged both officials to work closely with fellow commissioners and staff to promote professionalism, maintain consistent standards and resolve operational challenges promptly.

He concluded by reminding the new deputy chairpersons that the oaths they had taken must guide their conduct and decisions throughout their tenure.

“Let competence distinguish your work. Let fairness shape your judgement, and let the national interest remain your constant compass,” he said, wishing them wisdom, courage and success in their service to Ghana.