The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Director of Elections, Rashid Tanko Computer, has acknowledged that newly appointed Electoral Commission Deputy Chairperson Emelia Afi Agbenyo supported the party’s efforts to remove the New Patriotic Party (NPP) from power in the 2024 general elections.
Mr Tanko’s comments have brought renewed attention to questions surrounding Ms Agbenyo’s political involvement and her appointment to a senior position at the institution responsible for overseeing Ghana’s elections.
Speaking on Joy News, the NDC elections director said several individuals who were dissatisfied with the Akufo-Addo administration contributed resources to support the party’s campaign.
He identified Ms Agbenyo as one of those who supported the campaign, explaining that her involvement was part of a broader effort to secure an NDC victory in the 2024 elections.
“This lady came in at that time to support the process by making sure that we get out NPP from the seat, and they supported it,” he said.
When the presenter asked whether Ms Agbenyo had joined the campaign with the specific objective of removing the NPP from office before subsequently being appointed to a position overseeing elections, Mr Tanko answered in the affirmative.
Despite acknowledging her political support for the NDC, Mr Tanko defended her suitability for the Electoral Commission role, arguing that her professional expertise and competence remained intact.
“Her expertise and competence is not in doubt. They are not even attacking her expertise and competence at all,” he said.
His defence centred on Ms Agbenyo’s professional qualifications, which he maintained should not be dismissed because of questions about her political involvement.
The Electoral Commission plays a central role in safeguarding the credibility of Ghana’s electoral process, making the neutrality and perceived independence of its leadership important to public confidence in elections.
However, Mr Tanko’s remarks alone do not establish whether Ms Agbenyo’s past political activities disqualify her from serving as a Deputy Chairperson of the Commission. Any assessment of her eligibility would depend on the applicable legal requirements and the relevant facts surrounding her appointment.
