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Haruna Iddrisu: Emelia Agbenyo EC Appointment Is Constitutionally Appropriate
Tamale South Member of Parliament and Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu has described President Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as EC Deputy Chairperson as constitutionally appropriate.
He made the comment on the Joy Super Morning Show on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. However, he acknowledged that critics reserve the right to remind the NDC government of its past stance on similar appointments. The swearing-in of the 43-year-old has stoked controversy due to her known affiliation with the incumbent NDC.
Why the Appointment Has Sparked Controversy
Emelia Afi Agbenyo served as a spokesperson for the NDC on governance during the 2024 general elections. Furthermore, social media has surfaced past posts she made in support of the NDC. A video of her speaking as an NDC representative has also gone viral. As a result, many have questioned her independence and neutrality in such a sensitive role. Moreover, critics argue that the NDC acted hypocritically, given that it previously criticised the NPP administration for making similar politically affiliated appointments to the EC.
Iddrisu Calls for Legislation to Define EC Eligibility
Haruna Iddrisu acknowledged the constitutional basis of the appointment but called for stronger legislation. He said Ghana must go beyond Articles 45 and 46 of the Constitution to define a clear threshold for who is eligible to serve on the Electoral Commission.
Furthermore, he said the country needs legislation that sets proper parameters for such appointments. He added that these reforms are likely part of the constitutional review process President Mahama has initiated. He also hinted that the Attorney General will introduce two important bills in Parliament — one to amend entrenched provisions and another for non-entrenched provisions.
EC Officials Cannot Manipulate Results — Iddrisu
Haruna Iddrisu also disputed the notion that EC officials have the power to manipulate election results in anyone’s favour. He said the EC’s role is to provide a fair, open, and transparent platform.
Therefore, he stressed that the responsibility for winning an election lies with the candidate, not the Electoral Commission. He also said if Agbenyo campaigns publicly for the NDC while in office, that would be unacceptable. However, he said the government has taken note of the concerns raised by the Ghanaian public over the appointment.