The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to urge the Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Ms. Emelia Affi Agbenyo, to resign over concerns about her perceived political affiliations.
CODEO, a coalition comprising more than 41 member organisations, said Ms. Agbenyo’s publicly documented political engagement with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 general election campaign could undermine public confidence in the independence and impartiality of the Electoral Commission.
In a press statement issued on October 15, 2026, CODEO said it recognised the President’s constitutional authority to make appointments but maintained that public perception of neutrality was critical to the credibility of the country’s electoral management body.
The coalition noted that the integrity of the Electoral Commission depended not only on the actual neutrality of its commissioners but also on the public’s confidence in their impartiality.
CODEO Cites Agbenyo’s Political Activities
CODEO cited several instances of Ms. Agbenyo’s alleged political engagement with the NDC before her appointment.
According to the coalition, the NDC publicly announced her as one of its sectoral spokespersons for the party’s 2024 election manifesto in August 2024, assigning her to the governance sector.
The statement also referenced social media posts she allegedly made during the election campaign, including posts featuring then NDC presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama and messages associated with the party’s campaign.
CODEO argued that these activities raised concerns about the perception of political neutrality expected of a member of the Electoral Commission.
However, the coalition stressed that its concerns were not about Ms. Agbenyo’s professional qualifications or technical competence but about protecting the independence and credibility of the Commission.
Calls for Electoral Commission Appointment Reforms
CODEO reiterated its longstanding position that appointments to the Electoral Commission should follow a broader consultative process while the country pursues constitutional reforms to strengthen electoral independence.
The coalition recalled previous concerns it had raised over appointments to the Commission, including those involving Charlotte Osei, Jean Mensa, Dr. Bossman Asare and Samuel Tetteh.
It also cited its 2023 call for the resignation of Dr. Peter Appiahene over concerns about his alleged partisan affiliation with the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to CODEO, the appointment generated criticism from various groups and prompted calls for reforms to the appointment process.
The coalition further questioned the role of the Council of State, arguing that its failure to develop a transparent process for carrying out its constitutional responsibilities undermined public confidence in the appointment system.
It noted that, under the constitutional framework governing appointments to the Electoral Commission, the President is required to act on the advice of the Council of State.
CODEO maintained that a more transparent and consultative appointment process would help protect the Commission from perceptions of political influence.
Mahama Urged to Apply Previous Position
The coalition also referred to comments made by President Mahama in March 2023, when he was in opposition.
According to CODEO, Mr. Mahama had criticised the appointment of persons he described as known party activists to the Electoral Commission and called for an amendment to Article 43(2) of the 1992 Constitution to require parliamentary approval for new commissioners.
The coalition said the President’s earlier position was relevant to the current situation and urged him to apply the same principles under his administration.
It argued that safeguards against perceived partisan appointments should apply regardless of which political party was in government.
CODEO further cited findings attributed to Afrobarometer indicating that public trust in the Electoral Commission had reached its lowest levels in 2024.
It said the failure to address perceptions of political bias among members of the Commission had contributed to declining public confidence in the institution.
CODEO’s Demands
In its statement, CODEO made two key demands.
First, it called on Ms. Agbenyo to resign honourably as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission to protect public confidence in the institution’s impartiality and credibility.
Second, it urged President Mahama to demonstrate consistency with his previously stated position by encouraging her to resign.
The coalition said the President needed to demonstrate that the principles he advocated while in opposition remained applicable under his administration.CODEO maintained that safeguarding the independence of the Electoral Commission was essential to strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions and ensuring public confidence in future elections.
The statement reflects CODEO’s position on the appointment. It does not, by itself, establish that Ms. Agbenyo has acted impartially or otherwise in the performance of her official duties.
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