President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah and Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairpersons of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) at the Jubilee House on Monday, October 12, 2026, filling two senior positions following recent changes in the Commission’s leadership.
The appointments bring legal, financial, electoral administration and public sector management experience to the Commission as it seeks to strengthen institutional effectiveness, improve electoral preparations and protect the credibility of Ghana’s democratic processes.
The new deputy chairpersons are expected to work with fellow commissioners and staff to ensure impartial, transparent and inclusive elections.
“Today we witness the swearing-in of Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah and Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission.”
President John Dramani Mahama
The ceremony marks a significant development in the Commission’s senior leadership following the departure of two previous deputy chairpersons. In his address, President Mahama congratulated the appointees and emphasised the responsibility their new offices carry in safeguarding citizens’ electoral rights.
Mahama Tasks New Deputies With Strengthening Electoral Administration
Addressing the gathering at the Jubilee House, President Mahama underscored the importance of the Electoral Commission to Ghana’s democratic governance, noting that elections enable citizens to choose their leaders, hold governments accountable and determine the country’s direction.
He stressed that public confidence in elections depends substantially on the integrity, competence and fairness of the institution responsible for administering them. According to the President, the new deputy chairpersons must help ensure that every eligible citizen can participate in electoral processes and that valid votes accurately reflect the will of the electorate.
He urged both officials to translate their professional backgrounds into diligent, impartial and effective service to the Commission and the Ghanaian public.
President Mahama also highlighted the complementary strengths the two appointees bring to the institution, pointing to their respective experience in electoral administration, financial management, public administration, institutional leadership and stakeholder engagement.
Asamoah Brings Legal, Financial and Electoral Experience
Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah brings a combination of legal, financial and economic expertise to his new role. President Mahama described his professional background as relevant to the demanding responsibilities associated with election administration.
The President also highlighted Asamoah’s previous service within the Electoral Commission, particularly his involvement in audit, finance and training. That experience, he noted, had given the new deputy chairperson practical knowledge of the Commission’s systems, personnel and operational requirements.
Dr Asamoah’s work in election administration, resource management and the training of electoral officers also provides a foundation for his expanded responsibilities. President Mahama further referenced his teaching and contributions to electoral policy and security training, stressing the importance of connecting practical experience with research and professional development.
He encouraged Asamoah to use his experience to strengthen institutional systems, improve the preparation of electoral personnel and promote responsible management of public resources.
These priorities, the President indicated, are essential to ensuring that electoral operations are properly organised and supported by competent personnel and effective administrative systems.
Agbenyo Brings Public Administration and Inclusion Experience
Emelia Afi Agbenyo brings experience in public administration, institutional leadership, development cooperation and stakeholder engagement.
President Mahama highlighted her leadership at the Ghana TVET Service, where she coordinated nationwide operations, supported policy implementation and worked with institutions and partners to achieve organisational objectives.
The President noted that these capabilities would be valuable in an institution whose effectiveness depends on careful planning and coordination across the country.
He also drew attention to Ms Agbenyo’s work involving gender inclusion, disability inclusion and opportunities for vulnerable groups, describing these areas as particularly relevant to electoral administration.
According to President Mahama, electoral participation must remain accessible to all eligible citizens, including those who encounter physical, social or communication barriers. He encouraged Agbenyo to apply her experience in team building, partnership management and policy implementation to the work of the Commission.
Her background, combined with Dr Asamoah’s expertise, is expected to provide complementary strengths for the institution’s administrative and operational responsibilities.
New Appointments Follow Leadership Changes at EC
The swearing-in follows the departure of two former deputy chairpersons, whose exits created vacancies in the Commission’s senior leadership. Dr Bossman Asare, who was responsible for Corporate Affairs, resigned effective July 31, 2026, to return to academia at the University of Ghana.
Samuel Tettey, who oversaw Operations, reached the mandatory retirement age. The government announced the developments in June 2026. The appointments of Dr Asamoah and Agbenyo consequently restore leadership capacity across two important areas of the Electoral Commission’s work.
Their responsibilities will require coordination with fellow commissioners and staff, as well as attention to institutional systems, electoral personnel, logistics and the effective management of resources.
Mahama Reaffirms Support for EC Independence
President Mahama reiterated that the Electoral Commission of Ghana must perform its duties independently and apply the same standards to political parties, candidates and governments.
He assured the institution that his government would support the discharge of its mandate while respecting its independence. The President also emphasised the importance of transparency, constructive engagement and timely responses to concerns raised by political parties, civil society organisations, the media and citizens.
He urged the Commission to explain decisions clearly, correct mistakes promptly and provide accurate information whenever public concerns arise. Dr Asamoah and Ms Agbenyo are expected to carry these principles into their tenure, with the President stressing that competence, fairness and national interest must guide their decisions.
He congratulated the two officials once again and wished them wisdom, courage and success in serving Ghana. The swearing-in places the new deputy chairpersons at the centre of efforts to strengthen the Electoral Commission’s institutional capacity and sustain public confidence in the country’s electoral system.
