Newly sworn-in Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah, has pledged to support electoral reforms that strengthen Ghana’s democracy while ensuring the Commission remains responsive to citizens and its staff.
Speaking at his swearing-in ceremony at Jubilee House on October 12, 2026, Dr Asamoah also committed to exercising his mandate without fear or favour.
The Newly sworn-in Deputy EC Chairperson said the leadership would work collectively with the Commission to implement policies and reforms capable of strengthening the country’s democratic institutions.
He emphasised that the responsibility entrusted to the Electoral Commission must be exercised in the national interest, with “zero tolerance of partisan political interest and 100% tolerance for national interest”.
“The power entrusted to us will never be used to talk back at the people of this country, however critical their scrutiny at the works of the Commission may be.”
Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah
Dr Asamoah further pledged that the authority entrusted to the new leadership would be exercised in a manner that protects the interests of EC staff while advancing institutional reforms. He linked the approach to a shared commitment between the Commission’s leadership, its personnel and the Ghanaian public.
According to the Deputy EC Chairperson, the Commission’s primary loyalty rests with Ghanaians, whose sovereignty is established under Article 1 of the 1992 Constitution. Dr Asamoah therefore stressed that the authority exercised through the ballot must be protected, declaring that “your vote is your voice and your future and that it must be made to count.”
Turning to the Commission’s constitutional responsibilities, he pointed to Article 45 as the foundation of its mandate and linked electoral credibility to adherence to the rule of law, fairness and equal consideration for every Ghanaian. He affirmed that having taken the oath of office, the new leadership would deliver its mandate with the required independence.
Meanwhile, the Newly sworn-in Deputy EC Chairperson disclosed that the Commission would undertake an extensive review of electoral processes in the coming months. The exercise, he explained, would involve EC staff, primary stakeholders and other critical stakeholders, with the objective of improving the electoral system continuously.
Dr Asamoah indicated that the review would be undertaken without fear or favour as the Commission seeks to strengthen public confidence in its work. He also highlighted misinformation, disinformation and fake news as major threats to electoral cycles, warning that false information can deepen political divisions and undermine democratic processes.
In addressing these challenges, the Deputy EC Chairperson called for a collective national effort involving political parties, Parliament, the security services, civil society, the judiciary, the media and citizens. He noted that credible elections cannot be secured by the Electoral Commission alone and urged stakeholders to engage constructively with the institution.
New Deputy EC Chair Returns With Extensive Electoral Experience
Newly sworn-in Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah, has returned to the institution with extensive experience in election administration, finance, auditing and training.
At his swearing-in ceremony at Jubilee House on October 12, 2026, Dr Asamoah explained that his previous work with the Commission has exposed him to different aspects of Ghana’s electoral system.
Dr Asamoah also disclosed that his experience covered different categories of elections and national exercises, including general elections, district-level elections and national referendums. Drawing on that background, he noted that he understands both “the strength of this Commission” and “the challenges confronting the institution”, as well as the dedication of its staff.
“This is for me, particularly, a return home. I served the Commission for many years as Director of Finance, as Election Administrator, as Director of Training Centre in Kumasi, Head of Audit, and Election Trainer.”
Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah
According to the Deputy EC Chairperson, his return to the Commission is driven by a desire to contribute to Ghana rather than pursue personal interests. He stressed that he and his fellow appointee, Afi, had pledged to serve with sincerity and integrity as they take up their new responsibilities.
The appointment comes at a time when the Electoral Commission faces a significant challenge in rebuilding public confidence in its work. Dr Asamoah cited Afrobarometer figures showing that “only 33% of Ghanaians currently express some or a lot of trust in the Commission, compared with 75% in 2005 and 63% in 1999.”
He noted that the same 33% figure was recorded following the 2024 general elections, making the restoration of public confidence a central responsibility for the new leadership. For Dr Asamoah, these figures constitute “a call to action and a call to duty” rather than statistics that can be treated lightly.
Furthermore, the Newly sworn-in Deputy EC Chairperson urged Ghanaians to engage with the Commission as it undertakes efforts to improve electoral processes. He encouraged citizens to participate in its work and offer criticism that can contribute to building an institution in which the public has confidence.
Dr Asamoah also linked the confidence challenge to the growing influence of misinformation, disinformation and fake news in contemporary elections. While acknowledging that new media can contribute to civic education and youth participation when used responsibly, he warned that falsehoods can erode political interests and fuel divisions.
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