Mahama: I expects no preferential treatment from Electoral Commission

President John Dramani Mahama has said he expects no preferential treatment from the Electoral Commission (EC) for himself, his government or the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), amid controversy over the appointment of two deputy chairpersons.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah at Jubilee House, Mahama urged the new officials to carry out their duties fairly and impartially, regardless of political affiliation.

“As President, I expect no preferential treatment from the Electoral Commission for myself, my party, or my government,” he said.

He said the commission must apply the same standards to all political parties and candidates while safeguarding Ghanaians’ right to freely elect their leaders.

“Your duty is to the people of Ghana and the state. You must discharge your responsibilities without fear or favour towards any political party, any candidate, or government,” he added.

The appointments have drawn criticism from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which has raised concerns about alleged political links between Agbenyo and the governing NDC.

The NPP has cited her reported role as the NDC’s manifesto spokesperson on governance during the 2024 general elections and alleged previous work as a personal assistant to Mahama Ayariga.

The controversy has renewed debate over the commission’s perceived independence and public confidence in its work.

New deputy chair cites decline in public trust

Speaking after his swearing-in, Asamoah said the new deputies were taking office at a time when public trust in the commission was at its lowest level in more than two decades.

Citing Afrobarometer findings, he said only 33% of Ghanaians expressed some or a great deal of trust in the commission, compared with 75% in 2005.

He pledged that the new deputies would carry out their responsibilities without fear or favour.

The appointments follow the departure of former deputy chairpersons Dr Bossman Eric Asare and Samuel Tettey. Asare resigned with effect from July 31 2026 to return to academia, while Tettey retired after reaching the compulsory retirement age.

Mahama urged the new officials to uphold the law, exercise their authority fairly and ensure that the commission’s decisions and procedures were transparent.

He said public trust must be earned through consistent conduct, clear procedures, timely responses to concerns and the fulfilment of commitments.