Asamoah’s EC appointment more threatening than Agbenyo - Akpaloo explains

The Founder and Leader of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Percival Kofi Akpaloo, has stated that although there is nothing fundamentally wrong with the latest appointments of two Deputy Chairpersons to the Electoral Commission (EC), Ghanaians must be worried about Dr Joseph Kweku Asamoah.

President Mahama last week swore in the two new Deputy Chairs of the Commission, charging them to operate strictly on the principles of equity, law, and complete political neutrality.

While administering the oath of office to Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kweku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons on Monday, 12 October 2026, the President tasked the pair to safeguard the democratic right of Ghanaians to freely choose their national leaders without fear or favour.

The appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo in particular has generated heated reactions, with the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) calling for her immediate withdrawal due to her affiliation with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

However, Akpaloo believes there is nothing wrong with her appointment, adding quickly that the appointment of law lecturer Dr Asamoah is the one citizens must interrogate.

Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM, he noted: “I don’t have any challenge regarding the appointment. You can even appoint Asiedu Nketiah as EC Chairperson, but the will of the people will determine who will assume the office of President. President Mahama appointed Charlotte Osei, but he lost the elections. Former President Akufo-Addo appointed Jean Mensa and Bossman Asare and others, and they lost miserably in the 2024 elections. You only need to protect the ballot at the polling stations. The EC cannot rig any election. You only have to be vigilant.”

He maintained that when the electorate decides that enough is enough, there is nothing anyone can do to alter the outcome of the results.

“Let no one deceive you that Emelia Afi Agbenyo is going to do anything to favour the NDC. We should rather be concerned about the other Deputy Chairperson appointed. The only thing they can do is use Dr Asamoah. He is the one who lacks an understanding of the activities of the EC. He has been appointed to come and frustrate Electoral Commissioner Jean Mensa. Go back and listen to his acceptance speech after the swearing-in. He lacked understanding of the EC job. So, I think Emelia is not a threat. There is an attempt to frustrate the EC Chair so she will resign, but the woman I know will not give up easily like that,” he added.

Kofi Akpaloo further stated that political neutrality is an illusion, asserting that anyone appointed to the EC holds a political affiliation.

He argued that it would be better to have politically exposed persons appointed than those claiming to be neutral, describing the so-called neutrals as the most dangerous individuals.