Professor Kwaku Agyemang-Duah, a governance analyst, has slammed the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, over his comments claiming the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) was intended to balance political representation.
Prof Agyemang-Duah argued that Felix Kwakye Ofosu’s comments could undermine the independence of the Electoral Commission.
According to Prof Agyemang-Duah, mistakes made by previous administrations should not be repeated.
Speaking on TV3 KeyPoint, Prof Agyemang-Duah stated, “I think my earlier comments referred to that kind of argument. The fact is, the EC is an independent body. The Constitution does not require that we balance membership on a political party basis. No, it’s independent. That’s why I referred earlier, if you recall, to those who are arguing that there are many NPP sympathisers.
“They mentioned names, but there’s no need to mention them here. And therefore, this one appointment is simply seeking to balance the scales in terms of membership of those who are so-called politically exposed. No, that’s why I’m saying we shouldn’t go through this circular argument of ‘You did it, I’m doing it. You did it, I’m balancing it with this.’ Look, we don’t commit two mistakes to ensure that one right is done. No, if the first one was a mistake, we should simply not repeat it. So I do not buy that argument that this is a balancing act,” he said.
He further added, “Not at all. So that’s a defeatist kind of argument. It’s not proper, and I appeal to those who are making that kind of statement, especially from higher levels, because that kind of argument is dangerous for us. If the foot soldiers are making those kinds of arguments, I won’t quibble so much because we know how they talk”.
His comment comes on the heels of Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu saying the government wanted an NDC member on the Electoral Commission to “tilt the balance” of its composition.
According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have orchestrated an agenda against the appointment of Emelia Afi Agenyo.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu argued that he is willing to challenge members of the NPP, highlighting that the party, while in office, appointed individuals affiliated with the party to positions at the Electoral Commission.
The Government Communications Minister also disclosed that the appointment of Emelia Afi Agenyo is also part of President Mahama’s reset agenda, arguing that her appointment was intended to balance what he described as NPP appointments at the Electoral Commission.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu admitted that “tilting the balance” meant appointing a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking on JoyFM, Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated, “I have challenged the NPP, and indeed, I will address the NPP because they are the ones who have started this narrative and are creating the impression that they have bought the appointment of people with personal affiliation to the EC,” he said.
“The other issue is that, you see, a reset could also mean balancing a lopsided state institution.
“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 NPP? What is wrong with tilting the balance?” he added.
Watch the video below:
Appointment of Emelia Agbenyo to EC: The EC is an independent body; hence, there is no need to balance it out. We don’t commit too many mistakes to ensure that one right is done. – Prof. Baffour Agyemang-Duah, Governance Expert #TheKeyPoints #TV3GH https://t.co/feuHrgQPDy
— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) October 17, 2026
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