Election Watch Ghana Congratulates New EC Deputy Chairpersons, Calls For Reforms To Strengthen Electoral Independence

Election Watch Ghana has congratulated Dr. Joseph Kwaku Asamoah and Emelia Afi Agbenyo on their appointment and inauguration as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission of Ghana.

In a statement dated 14th October 2026, the organisation wished them success as they assume their new responsibilities at a time when public confidence, institutional independence, and technological innovation are vital to Ghana’s democratic development.

Election Watch Ghana also commended the President for promoting women’s representation in leadership and national decision-making, noting that empowering women to occupy strategic public positions contributes to inclusive governance and provides opportunities for capable individuals to make meaningful contributions to national development.

The organisation expressed hope that the new Deputy Chairpersons will justify the confidence reposed in them through professionalism, integrity, and dedicated service to the nation.

*Call For Reforms*

Election Watch Ghana called for constitutional and legal reforms to strengthen the independence, impartiality, and credibility of the Electoral Commission.

It said recurring public concerns about the actual or perceived political affiliations of individuals appointed to the Commission underscore the need to review the existing appointment framework.

The group therefore urged the President, Parliament, political parties, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to support appropriate constitutional amendments that promote a transparent, merit-based, and broadly consultative appointment process.

“While political affiliation alone does not determine an individual’s ability to serve impartially, the appointment process must inspire public confidence and minimise the risk or perception of partisan influence,” the statement said.

Election Watch Ghana said its objective is to establish an Electoral Commission whose independence is protected by effective constitutional safeguards and demonstrated through impartial decisions and professional conduct, adding that the credibility of elections must not depend solely on the integrity of individual officeholders but also on strong institutions that command public trust.

*Need For Technological Competence*

The organisation stressed that credible elections require more than administrative experience. They demand operational expertise, technological competence, and the ability to respond effectively to the evolving challenges of modern election management.