Ablakwa Admits Optics of Emelia Agbenyo EC Appointment Do Not Look Good
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has acknowledged concerns about Emelia Affi Agbenyo’s appointment as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.
He said the optics surrounding the appointment are unfavourable and that he would have preferred a different situation. Furthermore, he said he has always maintained that neutral and independent people should be appointed to the EC. However, he defended Ms. Agbenyo as a competent woman of impeccable integrity despite the controversy surrounding her selection.
She Is a Woman of Integrity but the Optics Don’t Look Good — Ablakwa
Ablakwa was candid about his reservations on the appointment. He said Ms. Agbenyo is a woman of integrity but acknowledged that the optics do not look good. Moreover, he said he would have preferred that very neutral and independent architects be appointed to the Electoral Commission.
Therefore, his remarks represent a rare acknowledgement from within the ruling NDC that the appointment has created an unfavourable public perception. He nevertheless stopped short of calling for her resignation.
Why the Appointment Has Attracted Widespread Criticism
Ms. Agbenyo served as an NDC spokesperson on governance during the 2024 election campaign. Since her appointment, 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.
Furthermore, many Ghanaians have questioned her independence and neutrality in such a sensitive office. The opposition NPP has called for her appointment to be withdrawn, citing concerns about the Electoral Commission’s neutrality. Moreover, critics argue that the NDC acted hypocritically given that it previously condemned similar appointments by the NPP administration.
CODEO and Public Pressure Mount on Agbenyo to Resign
The swearing-in of the 43-year-old has drawn condemnation from civil society, governance experts, and legal practitioners. CODEO, comprising over 41 member organisations, has called on Ms. Agbenyo to honourably resign. Lawyer Martin Kpebu has also said he supports the call for her resignation. As a result, President Mahama faces growing pressure to address the controversy. Ablakwa’s own admission that the optics are poor adds to the political pressure on the administration over what critics describe as a partisan appointment to an institution that must remain above reproach.