Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has defended the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), acknowledging that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) intended to “tilt the balance” in the commission’s political composition.
Speaking on Joy FM on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said the appointment was intended to address what he described as an imbalance among members of the commission.
He acknowledged that Ms Agbenyo’s previous political activities with the NDC had raised concerns about her suitability for the position but expressed confidence that her conduct in office would demonstrate professionalism and impartiality.
“I have acknowledged that there are people who have legitimate concerns, but those concerns in my view will be mitigated by the conduct of Madam Afi [Emelia Afi Agbenyo] herself in the role that she’s been given,” he said.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu accused the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which has called for Ms Agbenyo’s appointment to be revoked, of applying double standards.
He argued that the NPP had previously appointed individuals affiliated with the party to state institutions and questioned why the EC’s existing political composition should remain unchanged if, as he alleged, some commissioners were associated with the opposition.
He described the appointment as part of the NDC government’s Reset Agenda, which he said included addressing what the party considered imbalances in state institutions.
“The Reset could also mean balancing the lopsided state institutions.
Why is it acceptable for us to have a situation where out of seven commissioners who manage Ghana’s elections, almost four of them are NPPs?
Why should we live with that? What is wrong with tilting the balance?” he asked.
When asked whether “tilting the balance” meant appointing an NDC member to the commission, Mr Kwakye Ofosu answered in the affirmative.
The controversy follows the swearing-in of Ms Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission.
At the ceremony, President John Dramani Mahama charged the two appointees to discharge their responsibilities independently and impartially.
The appointments have attracted political debate, particularly over concerns about the perceived political affiliations of individuals serving on the body responsible for managing Ghana’s elections.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu maintained that Ms Agbenyo’s performance in office would be the basis on which concerns about her appointment should be assessed
