Former Asante Akim North Member of Parliament Andy Appiah-Kubi has called on President John Dramani Mahama to withdraw the appointment of Emelia Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), urging the President to listen to growing public concerns surrounding the decision.
Appiah-Kubi believes President Mahama has an opportunity to demonstrate his willingness to listen to the concerns of Ghanaians by reconsidering the appointment in response to the public outcry.
According to the former legislator, Mahama has shown himself to be more receptive to public opinion than his predecessor, making it important for him to pay attention to the concerns being raised about Agbenyo’s appointment.
He argues that the President should use this perceived openness to engage with the concerns of stakeholders and consider whether withdrawing the appointment would help address the controversy.
“President Mahama is a better listener than his predecessor and should heed the public outcry,” Appiah-Kubi said.
His appeal adds another voice to the ongoing debate over Agbenyo’s appointment to one of the country’s most sensitive constitutional institutions.
The Electoral Commission plays a crucial role in Ghana’s democratic system, with responsibility for organising public elections, maintaining the voters’ register and undertaking other electoral functions prescribed by law.
Consequently, appointments to senior positions within the Commission often attract considerable public attention because of their potential implications for public confidence in the electoral process.
Appiah-Kubi’s intervention places particular emphasis on the President’s responsibility to consider public concerns when making decisions involving key public institutions.
His argument suggests that leadership should not only involve making appointments but also being prepared to reconsider decisions when significant concerns emerge from the public.
The former MP’s call also raises questions about the balance between presidential appointment powers, institutional independence and the importance of maintaining confidence in the Electoral Commission.
While public criticism does not automatically establish that an appointment is improper, concerns raised by political figures, civil society organisations and other stakeholders can contribute to discussions about transparency and accountability.
For President Mahama, the controversy presents an opportunity to explain the considerations behind Agbenyo’s appointment and address questions surrounding the decision.
However, the specific grounds on which Appiah-Kubi believes the appointment should be withdrawn would be important in assessing the substance of his appeal. A response from the Presidency or Agbenyo could also provide additional context to the ongoing discussion.
The debate is expected to remain focused on the standards that should guide appointments to the Electoral Commission and the steps necessary to protect public confidence in Ghana’s electoral institutions.
Appiah-Kubi’s message to the President is clear: he believes Mahama should demonstrate his willingness to listen by taking the public’s concerns seriously and reconsidering Agbenyo’s appointment.
Whether the President will heed the appeal remains to be seen, but the call has added to the discussion surrounding the leadership of the Electoral Commission.
From Opera News
