The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has called on Emelia Afi Agbenyo to resign as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), citing concerns about her political activities during the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s 2024 election campaign.
In a statement dated Thursday, October 15, 2026, CODEO said her reported involvement in the campaign could affect public confidence in the Commission’s independence and impartiality.
Madam Agbenyo was sworn into office on October 12, alongside Dr. Joseph Kwaku Asamoah, following their appointment by President John Dramani Mahama to fill vacancies in the EC’s deputy leadership.
CODEO cited Madam Agbenyo’s reported role as the NDC’s governance sector spokesperson during the preparation of the party’s 2024 manifesto, as well as her social media activities during the campaign.
The coalition also referenced a December 2, 2024 post on her X account in which she wrote, “I will be voting against a government that ridiculed the pains of the people. Imposing a nuisance levy on citizens is not a thing to be celebrate. Governance is no joke, citizens are not your enemies.”
CODEO said its concerns were not about her professional qualifications but the need to protect the EC’s credibility.
“The independence and credibility of the Electoral Commission must be protected, and its leadership must inspire public confidence in its impartiality, regardless of which political party is in government,” the statement said.
CODEO’s call follows the opposition New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) rejection of Madam Agbenyo’s appointment and its demand that President Mahama withdraw it.
CODEO has also urged the government to introduce a transparent, merit-based process for appointing EC leaders, with independent scrutiny and meaningful parliamentary oversight.
The coalition also called on the Council of State to establish transparent procedures that allow citizens to assess how it performs its constitutional advisory role.
Committee had recommended an open, competitive and merit-based appointment process involving a reformed Council of State, the Public Services Commission and prior parliamentary approval.
However, the coalition noted that the government’s position paper rejected the proposed changes to the existing appointment arrangement, while indicating that the President could adopt transparent, merit-based procedures.
CODEO maintains that reforms are needed to address concerns about political influence and strengthen public confidence in Ghana’s electoral management system.
