Election Watch Ghana calls for constitutional reforms to strengthen Electoral Commission's independence

Election Watch Ghana has called for constitutional and legal reforms to strengthen the independence, impartiality and credibility of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, following the appointment and inauguration of Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah and Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairpersons.

In a press release dated October 14, 2026, the election observer group said recurring public concerns about the actual or perceived political affiliations of individuals appointed to the Commission underscore the need to review the existing appointment framework.

It urged the President, Parliament, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support constitutional amendments that promote a transparent, merit-based and broadly consultative appointment process.

"The credibility of our elections must not depend solely on the integrity of individual officeholders but also on strong institutions that command public trust," the group said.

Perception of partisan influence

Election Watch Ghana acknowledged that political affiliation alone does not determine an individual's ability to serve impartially.

However, it stressed that the appointment process must inspire public confidence and minimise the risk or perception of partisan influence.

The group said its objective is to establish an Electoral Commission whose independence is protected by effective constitutional safeguards and demonstrated through impartial decisions and professional conduct.

Calls for expertise and technological competence

The group noted that credible elections require more than administrative experience, demanding operational expertise, technological competence and the ability to respond to the evolving challenges of modern election management.

It said it would have welcomed greater emphasis on demonstrable expertise in information technology, electoral systems, cybersecurity and election operations in the selection of candidates for the positions.

Given the new Deputy Chairpersons' relatively young stage in their leadership careers, the group encouraged them to pursue relevant IT courses, specialised training and professional certifications in election technology, cybersecurity, database management, electronic results management, data integrity and digital systems administration.

It said these competencies would help them contribute more effectively to the modernisation and oversight of the Commission's technological systems, particularly those used for voter registration, results collation, transmission, verification and reporting.

Election Watch Ghana also urged the Commission to ensure that its electoral technologies undergo rigorous testing and appropriate independent audits, supported by safeguards against errors, manipulation, cyberattacks and unauthorised access, so that election results are secure, transparent, verifiable and worthy of public confidence.

Independence and public duty

The group expects the new Deputy Chairpersons to discharge their duties without fear, favour or political interference, with their primary obligation being to the Constitution of Ghana, the laws governing elections and the Ghanaian people, not to any political party, government or individual interest.

It encouraged them to maintain open and constructive engagement with political parties, civil society organisations, election observers, the media and the electorate while upholding the Commission's independence.

Despite its call for reforms, the group congratulated the two appointees and commended the President for promoting women's representation in national leadership.

It wished them wisdom, courage and success in their new roles.

Election Watch Ghana said it remains committed to engaging constructively with the Commission while independently monitoring its performance in the interest of credible elections and democratic accountability.

"Ghana deserves an Electoral Commission that is independent in its decisions, competent in its operations, innovative in its systems, and accountable to the people," the group stated.