Ghana's CODEO calls for resignation of EC Deputy Chair Agbenyo

The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has called for the resignation of Emelia Affi Agbenyo following her appointment as Deputy Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC). CODEO argues that Agbenyo’s documented political activities with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 election campaign threaten public confidence in the institution’s neutrality.

Agbenyo, who was sworn in on October 12, 2026, by President John Dramani Mahama, previously served as a governance-sector spokesperson for the NDC. While CODEO acknowledged the President’s constitutional authority to make such appointments, the group emphasized that the credibility of the EC depends on the public’s perception of its impartiality.

The controversy has sparked broader debates regarding the EC appointment process. Journalist Kwesi Pratt suggested restructuring the system to reduce partisan influence, while others noted the irony of the current administration’s appointments given President Mahama’s previous criticisms of partisan appointees during his time in opposition. Some observers have also called for constitutional reforms to strengthen the Commission’s independence and ensure a more transparent, merit-based selection process.