Mahama swears in two new Deputy EC Chairpersons, demands impartiality
President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission (EC), filling vacancies in the Commission’s leadership.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at Jubilee House on Monday, October 12, 2026.The two replace former deputies Dr Bossman Eric Asare and Samuel Tettey. Dr Asare, who was in charge of Corporate Services, resigned effective July 31, 2026, to return to academia at the University of Ghana, while Mr Tettey, who supervised Operations, retired after attaining the mandatory retirement age.
Charge to uphold integrity
Speaking at the ceremony, President Mahama charged the new officials to remain independent and uphold the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process.
“So let me state clearly. Your duty is to the Republic of Ghana and its people. You must discharge your responsibilities without favour towards any political party, any candidate or government,” he said.
“The authority that accompanies your office must always be exercised with fairness, restraint and fidelity to the law,” the President added.
President Mahama stressed that he expects no preferential treatment for himself, his party or his government.
“As President, I expect no preferential treatment from the Electoral Commission for myself, my party, or my government. I expect an institution that applies the same standards to everyone and protects Ghanaians’ right to choose their leaders freely,” he stated.
He further urged them to have the courage to uphold what is right even when it is inconvenient for those in power.
Profiles of new deputies
Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah brings more than 17 years of experience in electoral administration, public service, legal practice and academia.
A lawyer, chartered accountant and lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), he previously served in several senior capacities at the EC, including Director of Finance, Director of the Training Centre and Head of Audit. He played a role in the administration of several electoral exercises, including the 2012 and 2016 general elections.
Emelia Afi Agbenyo, until her appointment, served as Deputy Director for Operations at the Ghana TVET Service, overseeing technical and vocational education initiatives.
She also served as a Commissioner at the National Development Planning Commission, focusing on inclusive economic growth, skills development, and gender equality. In her international development career, she worked as a technical advisor for GIZ Ghana and co-authored Ghana’s first disability- and gender-inclusive TVET manual.
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