Government wanted to ‘tilt the balance’ with new EC appointments – Kwakye Ofosu

Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has confirmed the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) aimed to "tilt the balance" in the Electoral Commission (EC) by appointing Emilia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson. During an interview on Joy FM's Top Story, Ofosu explained the move was designed to address the perceived imbalance in the Commission's political makeup.

This admission came as the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) expressed reservations about Ms. Agbenyo's political neutrality due to her involvement in the NDC's campaign and role as a spokesperson for the party's manifesto committee on governance. The NPP questioned her suitability for the role, citing her active involvement in the NDC's activities.

In response, Ofosu stated that while legitimate concerns exist, they would be mitigated by Ms. Agbenyo's conduct in her new position. He also accused the NPP of using double standards, pointing out previous appointments of NDC-affiliated individuals to state institutions. Ofosu argued that the Commission's political makeup should be balanced, particularly if several commissioners had connections with the NPP.

He questioned why such a significant proportion of the seven commissioners could be associated with the NPP. When asked if tilting the balance involved appointing an NDC member, Ofosu affirmed that it did. The comments have intensified debates surrounding the political neutrality and independence of the EC, especially following the swearing-in of the two deputy chairpersons.

President John Dramani Mahama had earlier charged the new appointees to act independently and impartially, emphasizing that no political party or candidate should receive preferential treatment. The government maintains that assessing Ms. Agbenyo's neutrality should be based on her conduct in office.