We need people who are above board and nonpartisan at the EC - Asah Asante

Dr. Asah-Asante, a Political Science Lecturer at UG, has said that officials who are appointed to the electoral commission must be people who are above board and nonpartisan.

His comments follow the concerns raised against the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo , a known member of the NDC, as a Deputy Chair at the EC.

"The people we need are people above board and not people that are partisan. If it is the case that [Emelia Afi Agbenyo] is an NDC sympathizer or faithful, then we have a problem on our hand. " Dr Asante said on News 360 on TV3 Monday.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has told the two new Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission, Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Joseph Kwaku Asamoah (Esq.), to discharge their functions fairly.

President Mahama told that he does not expect any preferential treatment, especially for his government and party.

The President said this during the swearing-in exercise on Monday, October. He encouraged them to bring their experience into action to the service of the Ghanaians.

"Ensure that every eligible citizen can participate in our electoral process and that every valid vote counts and reflects the will of the people

"The duty is to the people of Ghana and its people, discharge your duty without favouring any candidate or party. I expect no preferential treatment for myself, my govt and party," President Mahama said.

The appointments fill the vacancies created by the departures and strengthen the commission’s leadership as it carries out its electoral responsibilities.

Emelia Afi Agbenyo, is a Deputy Director for Operations at the Ghana TVET Service, and Dr Joseph Kweku Asamoah, a former Director of Finance at the Electoral Commission (EC).

The appointment followed the resignation of Dr Bossman Asare and also the retirement of Mr Samuel Tettey.

Dr Bossman Asare, who was in charge of Corporate Affairs, resigned effective July 31, 2026, to return to academia at the University of Ghana, whereas Samuel Tettey, the deputy chairperson responsible for Operations, reached the mandatory retirement age.

Dr Asamoah, a law lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), previously held several senior positions at the EC, including Director of Finance, Director of the Training Centre and Head of Audit.

Their appointments follow changes in the commission’s senior leadership, including the resignation of Dr Bossman Asare, who was responsible for Corporate Affairs, effective July 31, 2026, and the retirement of Samuel Tettey, the former Deputy Chairperson in charge of Operations, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age.

The president swore them into office on Monday, October 12.