Member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communication Team, Hamza Suhuyini, has defended President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Affi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), insisting that the decision followed a careful assessment of candidates.
According to him, Madam Agbenyo was not handpicked for the position because of her political affiliation, explaining that she underwent several interviews before being selected for the role.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, October 17, Suhuyini said other candidates, including individuals perceived to be non-partisan, were also considered during the selection process.
“She was not the only person considered for that role. Indeed, she went through a series of interviews. I know, as a matter of fact, that even before the Council of State alone, she appeared not less than two times,” he said.
Suhuyini maintained that the selection involved a review of candidates’ curricula vitae and several engagements before a preferred candidate was identified. He urged the public not to interpret the appointment as an attempt by the governing NDC to advance its political interests at the Electoral Commission.
He also acknowledged Mrs Agbenyo’s association with the NDC, saying the party had consistently been open about her political background rather than denying it.
“Those of us in the NDC, we are not denying the partisan affiliation of Madam Affi. And I think that we have been very consistent in our explanation. We will not take the good people of this country for granted by denying that she’s ever associated with the NDC,” he said.
Suhuyini further described the appointment as “well calculated” and “well reasoned”, arguing that President Mahama acted on the advice of the Council of State after the selection process.
“…It was well calculated and well reasoned, and His Excellency the President, upon the advice of the Council of State, came to the conclusion that indeed, Madam Affi Agbenyo was more than qualified not just to sit in that office, but also to feed into that overarching objective of trying to bring some semblance of independence and neutrality, as enshrined in the Constitution.”
He said the decision was intended to contribute to the constitutional objective of ensuring independence and neutrality at the Electoral Commission, despite concerns raised about Mrs Agbenyo’s political affiliation.
The appointment has generated debate over the perceived impartiality of the Electoral Commission, with critics questioning whether someone associated with the governing party can serve in a senior position at the election management body without undermining public confidence.
