The Centre for Democratic Development Ghana (CDD-Ghana) has asked President John Dramani Mahama to counsel newly appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Emelia Afi Agbenyo, to step down from her position over allegations surrounding her political alignment.
The civil society organisation raised concerns following the swearing-in of Mrs Agbenyo alongside Dr Joseph Kweku Asamoah at the seat of government on October 12, where President Mahama charged the duo to strictly adhere to impartiality and defend the rights of citizens to elect their leaders freely.
Critics have since questioned Mrs Agbenyo’s close ties to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), claiming her presence at the electoral body compromises the constitutional requirement of absolute political neutrality.
Speaking on the Frontline morning show on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM, the Programmes Manager for CDD-Ghana, Joseph Oti Frimpong, explained that letting such perceptions persist poses a severe danger to public trust in election management.
He indicated that the appointing authority may not have fully weighed the fallout, making a immediate exit necessary to preserve the image of the commission.
“We are demanding that the President advises the lady to step aside if he did not initially grasp the public reaction to this appointment. Alternatively, the appointee should take the moral high ground and relinquish the position herself,” Mr Frimpong stated.
He warned against an unhealthy precedent where transitions of power routinely disrupt state administration and key constitutional bodies, stressing that independent governance structures must be insulated from partisan politics.
“Ghana must avoid a cycle where every change in government destabilises crucial institutions. Unchecked partisan interference in election management will eventually leave the nation regretting the quality of administrators steering its democratic processes,” Mr Frimpong warned.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana