GJA elections committee clears proxy voting allegations

With barely a week to the much-anticipated Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) National and Regional Elections slated for Monday, June 30, 2025, the Chairman of the Elections Committee, Peter Martey Agbeko, has issued a strong statement affirming the committee’s unwavering commitment to a credible, transparent, and fair electoral process.

Addressing recent criticisms and suspicion surrounding the committee’s preparations—particularly the introduction of proxy voting and allegations of a bloated voters register, Agbeko sought to dispel public doubt and reinforce confidence in the process.
He described the claims as unfounded and lacking evidence, asserting that all procedures, including proxy voting, adhere to international democratic norms and are being closely monitored to prevent abuse.

“Proxy voting is a legitimate and widely accepted component of modern democratic electoral systems,” Agbeko stated.

“What matters most is ensuring the process is safeguarded against abuse—and we have taken stringent steps to do just that.”

The statement appears to respond directly to what Agbeko described as “attempts by some individuals to undermine the process by casting aspersions.”

Without naming specific critics, he suggested that some stakeholders were motivated more by emotion than by fact, warning against the politicization or manipulation of the process for personal or factional gain.

Recounting the turbulent events of the last GJA elections, Agbeko provided some institutional context.

He revealed that during that election, he served as Secretary of the Elections Committee and had to step in and lead the process when the then-Chairman resigned abruptly just four days before the polls.

Despite the abrupt leadership vacuum, Agbeko and his colleagues successfully conducted the elections—an experience he says speaks volumes about the resilience and capability of the current team.

“I say this to underscore our resilience and dedication to duty,” he emphasized, noting that despite ongoing attempts by some to “sow doubt and frustration,” the current committee will see this electoral process through professionally and with integrity.

As a proactive measure to promote unity and transparency, the Elections Committee announced a meeting between its members, Electoral Commission technical advisors, and all contesting candidates.
This engagement, scheduled for this evening, aims to iron out any misunderstandings and reaffirm the committee’s neutrality and openness ahead of the elections.

Agbeko ended his statement on a strong note, assuring the GJA membership that his leadership will remain steady: “Let me be clear: this Chairman is not going anywhere. I intend to see this process through—faithfully, professionally, and to the glory of God and the service of our Association.”