By Nadia Ntiamoah
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has called for the resignation of Emelia Affi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC), citing concerns over her previous political activities and their potential impact on the Commission’s independence.
In a press statement dated October 15, 2026, CODEO expressed strong disapproval of her appointment and swearing-in on October 12, arguing that her documented involvement in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) campaign during the 2024 general elections could undermine public confidence in the electoral body.
According to CODEO, Agbenyo was announced as an NDC manifesto spokesperson in August 2024 under the governance portfolio. The coalition also cited her social media posts supporting the party’s campaign and its presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama.
“Ms. Agbenyo’s partisan political activities were also evident online. On 20th September 2024, she posted on her Facebook page a video featuring the then NDC presidential candidate, accompanied by the party’s campaign song, Asempa by NACEE, and the hashtags #ademocracytosalvage and #voteforchange2024.
“On 31st October 2024, she posted a photograph of John Dramani Mahama, the then NDC presidential candidate, with the caption: “To salvage our democracy, to restore good governance, reset our nation on the path of thriving democracy.”
The post included the hashtags #voteJM2024 and #voteforchange2024. Again, on 2nd December 2024, she published a post on her X account stating: “I will be voting against a government that ridiculed the pains of the people. Imposing a nuisance levy on citizens is not a thing to celebrate. Governance is no joke, citizens are not your enemies.” The post included the hashtags #salvageourdemocracy, #voteforchange2024, #VoteJohnMahama2024, and #EndTyranny,” the statement said.
CODEO stressed that its concerns were not about her professional qualifications but about the need for Electoral Commission officials to demonstrate impartiality and command public trust.
The coalition further recalled previous controversies surrounding EC appointments, including concerns raised in 2023 over the appointment of Dr Peter Appiahene, whose alleged affiliation with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) attracted criticism.
CODEO has urged President Mahama to uphold the position he previously advocated in opposition regarding reforms to the appointment of Electoral Commission members.
It called on the government to introduce transparent, merit-based appointment procedures, strengthen parliamentary oversight and establish safeguards against actual or perceived partisan influence.
CODEO also took up issues with the Council of State over the nature of advice suggested to the president regarding the appointment of Agbenyo.
“The appointment of another member of the EC with known partisan affiliation also calls into question the role of the Council of State. In the unique case of the appointment of members of the Electoral Commission, the Constitution requires the President to appoint on the advice of the Council of State and not in consultation with. The Council of
State’s consistent failure to develop any transparency process for the public to assess how it carries out its constitutional duties signals a breakdown in the current constitutional architecture”. The coalition maintains that protecting the independence of the Electoral Commission is essential in ensuring credible elections and strengthening public confidence in the democracy.
