President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as new Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission (EC).

The two took the oath of office at the seat of government on Monday, October 12, 2026.

They replace Dr Bossman Asare, who resigned as Deputy Chairperson in charge of Corporate Services effective July 31, 2026, and Samuel Tettey, who retired after attaining the compulsory retirement age of 65.

The EC is responsible for enforcing and administering laws and regulations relating to elections and referendums.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, President Mahama urged the two officials to uphold electoral integrity, fairness and public confidence in Ghana’s elections.

He said their appointments came with the responsibility of protecting the foundations of Ghana’s democracy by ensuring that every eligible citizen could participate in elections and every valid vote was counted.

President Mahama said the credibility of elections depended largely on the integrity, competence and fairness of the EC.

He urged the new Deputy Chairpersons to ensure that the will of the people was accurately reflected in electoral outcomes.

Asamoah brings EC experience

President Mahama highlighted Dr Asamoah’s background in law, accountancy, economics and election administration.

Dr Asamoah is a law lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and has more than 17 years of experience in public service, legal practice, academia and electoral governance.

He previously held several senior positions at the EC, including Director of Finance, Director of the Training Centre and Head of Audit.

President Mahama urged him to use his experience in election administration, results management and electoral officer training to strengthen institutional systems and staff preparation.

He also tasked him with helping ensure the responsible management of public resources.

Agbenyo brings public administration experience

Ms Agbenyo was previously a Deputy Director for Operations at the Ghana TVET Service, where she oversaw 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.

Her professional experience in international development includes working as a technical adviser for GIZ Ghana, where she co-authored Ghana’s first disability and gender-inclusive TVET manual.

President Mahama commended her experience in public administration, institutional leadership, development cooperation and stakeholder engagement.

He noted that her work at the Ghana TVET Service, including coordinating nationwide operations and supporting policy implementation, had prepared her for the demands of the EC.

President Mahama urged both officials to bring their respective experience to bear on the Commission’s work, stressing the importance of competence, accountability and fairness in the administration of elections.

Under Article 43 of the 1992 Constitution, the Electoral Commission consists of a Chairperson, two Deputy Chairpersons and four other members.

Article 44 sets out the qualifications of the appointees and provides that the two Deputy Chairpersons shall have the same terms and conditions of service applicable to a Justice of the High Court.