Japhet Festus Gbede, an aspiring Deputy Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Akatsi South Constituency, has criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over its reaction to President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment of two Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission (EC), accusing the opposition party of double standards and selective outrage.
In a strongly worded Facebook post, the firebrand communicator of the ruling National Democratic Congress questioned the consistency of the NPP’s position on appointments to the Electoral Commission, arguing that the party appeared to be applying a different standard under the Mahama administration from the one it defended while in government under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
His comments follow President Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission on October 12, 2026. The appointments have generated political debate, particularly over concerns raised by opposition figures regarding the perceived political affiliations of one of the appointees.
In his commentary, Japhet referred to the controversy surrounding the appointments of Dr Peter Appiahene, Hajia Salima Ahmed Tijani and Rev. Akua Ofori-Boateng to the Electoral Commission in March 2023.
At the time, the NDC raised concerns about the perceived partisan affiliations of two of the appointees, prompting a debate about the independence and neutrality of the Commission.
The NPP, which was then in government, defended the appointments. Its former Deputy General Secretary, Nana Obiri Boahen, argued that political party membership alone did not automatically disqualify an individual from appointment to the Electoral Commission.
Drawing a comparison between the two situations, Japhet questioned why the NPP was now raising concerns about political neutrality following appointments made by President Mahama.
He argued that the party needed to explain the distinction between the principles it defended under the Akufo-Addo administration and the objections it was raising under the current government.
Japhet described the opposition’s position as an example of political hypocrisy, opportunistic indignation and constitutional selectivity.
According to him, political parties must demonstrate consistency in their interpretation of constitutional principles, regardless of whether they are in government or opposition.
He maintained that if the NPP believed the latest appointments failed to satisfy constitutional requirements, it should present verifiable evidence and clearly explain the basis of its objections.
The aspiring NDC Deputy Communications Officer further argued that the Electoral Commission was too important a democratic institution to become a casualty of partisan political disagreements.
He stressed that the independence and credibility of the Commission should be protected through evidence-based arguments and consistent standards rather than political convenience.
Japhet also questioned whether the NPP expected Ghanaians to disregard its previous arguments simply because the political circumstances had changed.
Turning his attention to the 2028 general elections, Japhet challenged the NPP to reflect on its approach to opposition politics and demonstrate greater consistency in its public pronouncements.
He suggested that the party should focus on presenting coherent arguments and holding the government accountable with evidence rather than engaging in what he characterised as selective criticism.
