Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has ruled out any plans by the government to reverse the appointment of Emelia Affi Agbenyo as a Deputy Commissioner of the Electoral Commission (EC), insisting that calls for her removal must be applied fairly to all politically affiliated members of the Commission.
Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah were recently appointed as Deputy Electoral Commissioners and sworn into office by President John Dramani Mahama, replacing Dr Eric Bossman Asare and Samuel Tettey, who resigned and retired, respectively.
The appointments, which were announced after the swearing-in ceremony, have sparked public debate, with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and several civil society groups, including the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), calling for a reconsideration of Agbenyo’s appointment.
Critics argue that her perceived affiliation with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) raises concerns about her suitability for a position in an independent constitutional institution.
However, Kwakye Ofosu has maintained that the appointment was partly intended to address what he described as an imbalance created by appointments made under former President Akufo-Addo.
Speaking on TV3’s Keypoints programme on Saturday, October 17, the minister reiterated the government’s position, urging critics to accept the decision in good faith.
He also told private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu and businessman Senyo Hosi, who had called on the President to reconsider the appointment, that the government had no intention of reversing its decision.
According to him, the government recognises the concerns raised by civil society organisations and other independent-minded Ghanaians but believes the issue must be considered within the broader context of political representation on the EC.
Kwakye Ofosu argued that it would be unfair to single out Agbenyo for removal while other commissioners perceived to have political affiliations remain in office.
“So, in conclusion, Martin and co have a point. But surely, as a government, we also exercise the right to reply to the NPP. If their history legitimately can be questioned, then it is within that context that we have had to respond in a certain way,” he said.
He added that the government had not dismissed the concerns raised by independent-minded citizens and acknowledged that future appointments could be handled differently.
The minister, however, insisted that calls for Agbenyo’s resignation should also extend to other commissioners if fairness was to be the guiding principle.
“There can be no legitimate demand for the reversal of this decision or the resignation of Affi without calling for same for all the partisans on the Commission. It will not be tenable. Why should the NDC person be subject to special treatment while the NPP partisans remain? It will not be fair, so let us be guided by fairness. Then let everybody leave,” he stated.
He specifically mentioned EC Chairperson Jean Mensa, Anfo Kwakye and Dr Appiahene and one other as individuals whose continued presence should also be questioned by those demanding Agbenyo’s removal.
Kwakye Ofosu further argued that although Agbenyo’s appointment would not, on its own, reverse the political balance he believes was created under the previous administration, Ghana’s multiparty democratic system requires an Electoral Commission that does not appear to be dominated by one political tradition.
“If you have a Commission so dominated by one party, when we operate a multiparty democracy and therefore all the other parties have a stake in the operations of the EC, I think it is not out of place to have a semblance of balance,” he said.
Beyond the political controversy, the minister defended Agbenyo’s competence and professional credentials, maintaining that her ability to perform the role should not be overshadowed by concerns about her perceived political leanings.
He said he knew her personally and believed her temperament would allow her to carry out her responsibilities without excessive partisanship.
“But this lady, and I know her very well, her natural temperament is not to be rabid and overly partisan. So let us allow her some scope to let us see how that goes,” he added.
The Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese Member of Parliament consequently appealed to critics to remain calm and give the newly appointed Deputy Electoral Commissioner an opportunity to demonstrate her independence and competence in office.
By Gifty Boateng