The optics aren’t good; I would have preferred a different situation – Ablakwa on Agbenyo’s EC appointment

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has expressed concerns over the appointment of Emelia Affi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, citing the optics of the decision as unfavorable. Despite acknowledging her integrity, Ablakwa stated he would have preferred a different, more neutral individual to be appointed to the role.

He defended Agbenyo's suitability, describing her as a competent and highly-integrity-driven individual. However, this defense comes in the wake of criticism from the Minority and some public figures who have raised concerns about her affiliation with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), questioning her ability to maintain impartiality in the office.

Agbenyo, who served as an NDC spokesperson on governance during the 2024 election campaign, faced backlash due to her past political posts and social media activity supporting the NDC, leading to doubts about her neutrality. The opposition New Patriotic Party has called for the withdrawal of her appointment, citing worries about the Electoral Commission's impartiality.