{
  "id": 14000817,
  "title": "Mahama charges new EC deputies to put national interest above political loyalties",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/mahama-charges-new-ec-deputies-to-put-national-interest-above",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-12T16:35:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/mahama-charges-new-ec-deputies-to-put-national-interest-above-political-loyalties/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President John Dramani Mahama addressed the newly appointed Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission, Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah, at their swearing-in ceremony on Monday, October 12. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the national interest and maintaining impartiality in the performance of their duties. The credibility of the Commission, Mahama stated, relies on its commitment to serving the Republic of Ghana and its people without bias towards any political party, candidate, or government.\n\nDuring his remarks, Mahama encouraged the two officials to leverage their complementary professional backgrounds to enhance the Commission's operations and ensure effective electoral administration. He underscored that their appointment came with a significant responsibility to serve diligently and adhere strictly to the law, exercising their authority with fairness, restraint, and impartiality. President Mahama highlighted Ms Agbenyo's expertise in gender and disability inclusion and her efforts to create opportunities for vulnerable groups, noting that these skills would be crucial in improving access to electoral participation for all eligible citizens facing physical, social, or communication barriers.\n\nThe President urged the Deputy Chairpersons to transform their respective experiences into impartial and effective service, with decisions guided by the country's interests rather than political considerations. He reiterated that their duty was to Ghana and its people, emphasizing the importance of fairness and equal treatment in maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.",
  "summary": "President John Dramani Mahama has charged newly sworn-in Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission (EC), Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah, to prioritise the national interest and uphold impartiality in the discharge of their duties.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "3News",
        "title": "I expect no preferential treatment for my govt and party; treat everyone fairly - Mahama tells new Dep EC Chairs",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/i-expect-no-preferential-treatment-for-my-govt-and-party-treat",
        "published": "2026-10-12T15:44:20.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "‘I don’t expect preferential treatment for me, my party or gov’t’ – Mahama to new EC deputies",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/i-dont-expect-preferential-treatment-for-me-my-party-or-govt-mahama",
        "published": "2026-10-12T16:14:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}