General News of 2026-10-15
‘What would have happened if you didn’t appoint Emelia to EC?’ - Kwesi Pratt questions Mahama
Veteran journalist and Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jr, has questioned President John Dramani Mahama over his decision to appoint and swear in Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC).
According to him, Agbenyo's previous association with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), particularly her involvement in the party's manifesto committee ahead of the 2024 general elections, raises concerns about the perceived political neutrality of the Electoral Commission.
He argued that during the administration of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ghanaians criticised appointments perceived to be politically motivated.
He therefore questioned why President Mahama would make a similar appointment despite those earlier concerns.
Speaking during an interview on Peace FM's Kokrokoo programme on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Kwesi Pratt stressed the need for political leaders to prioritise national interests and avoid decisions that could undermine public confidence in state institutions.
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"Maybe the woman might work perfectly without her party biases, but the optics don't look good. This morning, I read what President Mahama said to them about not working for any party but rather the nation.
“But if he didn't appoint this woman, what would have happened? Are we saying that out of 35 million people, we couldn't get anybody aside from someone who participated in the NDC manifesto committee? Why are we doing things anyhow?" he questioned.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has charged the newly sworn-in Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission, Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr. Joseph Kwaku Asamoah, to remain impartial in the discharge of their duties and ensure that no political party receives preferential treatment.
The President emphasised that the Electoral Commission must operate fairly and safeguard the right of Ghanaians to freely elect their leaders, regardless of the political party in power.
Speaking at their swearing-in ceremony on Monday, October 12, 2026, President Mahama reminded the two officials that their responsibility was to the Republic of Ghana and its citizens, rather than any political party or government.
"As president, I expect no preferential treatment from the Electoral Commission for myself, my party, or my government," he stated.
President Mahama further urged the newly appointed Deputy Chairpersons to uphold the integrity and independence of the Electoral Commission, even when their decisions might be unpopular with the government or other political actors.
"I expect an institution that applies the same standards to everyone and protects Ghanaians' right to choose their leaders freely," he added.
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