Political Scientists Urge New EC Deputy Chairpersons to Rebuild Trust Through IPAC

Two political scientists have urged Ghana’s newly appointed Electoral Commission (EC) Deputy Chairpersons to rebuild trust with political parties and the public by strengthening dialogue through the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC).

Professor Joseph Atsu Ayee of the University of Ghana, Legon, and Dr John Osae-Kwapong, Project Director of the Democracy Project, say the commission must prioritise consultation, transparency and consensus-building rather than simply informing political parties of decisions already taken.

They believe IPAC remains an important platform for constructive engagement between the EC and political parties, but disagreements over the years have weakened its role as a forum for consensus and increased political grievances against the commission.

Their recommendations follow the swearing-in of Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah and Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairpersons of the EC by President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, October 12, 2026.

New Deputies Face Pressure to Restore Public Confidence

The appointments come at a time when public confidence in the EC remains a major concern.

Dr Osae-Kwapong cited the Afrobarometer Round 10 survey conducted in 2024, which indicated low public trust in the commission. He cautioned that expectations for the new appointees to transform the institution must be balanced against the fact that they are two members of a seven-member commission.

He urged both deputies to demonstrate independence in their work and avoid conduct that could reinforce public perceptions that the EC favours the governing party.

According to him, transparency should be the commission’s default approach when engaging the public, even when addressing difficult or controversial issues.

He also identified the voters’ register and broader electoral integrity as areas requiring attention, arguing that public confidence depends on competence, fairness and openness demonstrated consistently, both during election periods and between elections.

Ayee Calls for Stronger Cooperation Within the EC

Professor Ayee said the new deputies must work closely with EC Chairperson Jean Mensa and the other commissioners to strengthen the institution’s credibility.

He identified the perceived monetisation of politics, concerns about fairness and impartiality, procurement issues and internal tensions among commissioners as challenges requiring attention.

He stressed that the commission should operate as a united institution, with decisions reached through extensive consultation rather than appearing to reflect the views of one individual.

Professor Ayee also highlighted the importance of cooperation among the seven commissioners, noting that the chairperson and deputies must work together in the public interest.

He further called on the new appointees to pay greater attention to the welfare and working conditions of EC staff, including temporary election workers who have previously faced complaints over payment delays following elections.

He said improving staff relations and ensuring timely payment would help strengthen the commission’s institutional performance and public image.

Procurement and Electoral Management Under Scrutiny

Professor Ayee also urged the new deputy chairpersons to address procurement concerns that have dogged the commission over the years.

He said the EC must ensure that its procurement processes comply with the applicable laws and regulations, adding that the new appointees would need to navigate these challenges carefully.

He also welcomed recommendations from the Constitution Review Committee proposing a leadership structure consisting of one chairperson and two deputy chairpersons.

According to him, implementing such a reform could reduce the size of the commission from seven members to three and potentially reduce tensions among commissioners. Any such change, however, would depend on the relevant constitutional reform process.

IPAC Seen as Key to Better Relations With Political Parties

The political scientists believe a more constructive relationship with political parties is essential to rebuilding confidence in Ghana’s electoral administration.

IPAC provides a platform for the EC and political parties to discuss electoral matters, raise concerns and exchange views on processes that affect elections.

However, the scholars argue that the forum must move beyond political disagreements and become a more effective mechanism for consultation and consensus-building.

Rather than presenting decisions as settled matters, the commission should engage stakeholders early enough for their concerns and proposals to be considered.

Such an approach, they believe, could help reduce misunderstandings, improve cooperation and strengthen confidence in electoral decisions.

Mahama Charges New Deputies to Uphold Impartiality

At the swearing-in ceremony, President Mahama urged the new deputies to perform their constitutional duties without fear or favour towards any political party or candidate.

He emphasised that the EC must apply the same standards to all political actors and protect the right of every eligible Ghanaian to participate in elections.

The President also called for constructive engagement with political parties, civil society organisations, the media and citizens, stressing that transparency and accountability are essential to credible elections.

The new deputies have therefore assumed office with expectations that they will contribute to improving the commission’s operations and public standing.

Rebuilding Trust Will Require Consistent Action

The recommendations from Professors Ayee and Osae-Kwapong point to a broader challenge facing the EC: restoring confidence requires more than new appointments.

Stronger engagement through IPAC, cooperation among commissioners, fair procurement, improved staff welfare and transparent communication could all contribute to that effort.

Ultimately, the credibility of the commission will depend on how consistently it demonstrates independence, fairness and accountability in its decisions and dealings with the public.

African360 News will continue to follow developments involving the Electoral Commission and efforts to strengthen public confidence in Ghana’s electoral process.

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