No Party Card, just a Party Microphone! A Ghanaian story of Elections, Referees and Convenient Amnesia

In a Ghanaian town, a dispute arose between two football clubs over who would appoint their referee. The chosen official, Emelia Afi Agbenyo, had recently worked with one of the teams, familiarising supporters with their tactics and inspiring them to victory. When questioned about her lack of an official membership card, the club chairman dismissed concerns, claiming that spectators could be satisfied with the absence of any evidence of bias.

This absurd scenario can be likened to Ghana's political landscape, where elections are held and the country's officials are chosen. On October 12th, President Mahama appointed Emelia Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, urging her to serve without favour. However, the appointment has sparked controversy as, in August 2024, the NDC officially listed her as a spokesperson for the governance section of their election manifesto, creating an appearance of political affinity.

While her past advocacy for women's representation deserves consideration, the public may question whether speaking for a party's election manifesto creates an appearance of political affiliation. The NPP has expressed concerns about placing a former NDC spokesperson in electoral leadership, while the NDC defends its decision by referencing previous appointments that faced similar accusations.

The appointment raises questions about the transparency and impartiality of the Electoral Commission, and whether the political executive's influence on the institution's leadership undermines public trust in the electoral process. It remains to be seen whether Ghana can develop institutions whose credibility is not tied to the political party currently in power, or if the country will continue to grapple with partisan appointments that undermine the integrity of its democratic processes.