President Mahama urges new EC Deputy Chairs to uphold impartiality, protect electoral integrity

President John Dramani Mahama has urged the newly appointed Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission (EC), Joseph Kwaku Asamoah and Emilia Afi Agbenyo, to carry out their duties impartially and safeguard the integrity of Ghana's electoral processes. He emphasized that the Commission must apply equal standards to all political parties, candidates, and governments, and never grant preferential treatment to the President or the ruling party.

During the swearing-in ceremony, Mahama stressed that public trust in elections hinges heavily on the Commission's integrity, competence, and fairness. He urged the new leaders to ensure every eligible citizen can participate in elections and that the people's will is accurately represented in the results.

Highlighting the appointees' diverse professional backgrounds, Mahama noted that Dr. Asamoah, a lawyer and chartered accountant, and Ms. Agbenyo, with experience in public administration, institutional leadership, and development cooperation, could bolster the Commission's work. He encouraged Dr. Asamoah to leverage his experience in audit, finance, and training to strengthen institutional systems, enhance the training of electoral officers, and promote responsible management of public resources.

Ms. Agbenyo was advised to utilize her expertise in coordinating operations, implementing policies, and engaging stakeholders to improve the Commission's efficiency.

Mahama also stressed the importance of making election participation accessible to all eligible voters, especially individuals with disabilities, older citizens, and those residing in remote areas. He called for increased transparency, prompt responses to public concerns, and constructive dialogue with political parties, civil society organizations, the media, and citizens.

The President emphasized the necessity of rigorous election preparations, encompassing precise record-keeping, well-trained personnel, dependable logistics, and secure systems. He stressed that technology must be implemented with thorough testing, safeguards, and clear public communication.

Mahama reaffirmed the government's dedication to supporting the Electoral Commission in fulfilling its mandate while upholding its independence. He congratulated the two appointees and urged them to allow competence, fairness, and national interest to guide their decisions throughout their tenure.