NPP Expresses Disappointment Over Denied Access to Ballot Printing, Calls for Electoral Transparency
Source: ModernGhana
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed concern over the Ghana Electoral Commission’s (EC) alleged decision to deny its representatives access to ballot printing facilities for the 2024 elections. According to the NPP, this restricted access undermines transparency in the election process and seems to favor the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which the party claims was the only party accredited to monitor the ballot printing.
Evans Nimako, the NPP’s Director of Elections, voiced the party's concerns in an interview with Adom FM’s "Burning Issues." While Nimako acknowledged that the NPP was generally satisfied with the EC’s handling of other electoral procedures, he emphasized the need for equal access to the ballot printing process. "We are satisfied with the overall electoral processes so far, but we’re concerned about the lack of access to supervise ballot printing," he stated.
The NPP has maintained that it followed the EC’s guidelines by nominating agents to observe the printing, but those representatives were ultimately denied accreditation. According to Nimako, this decision raises questions about the fairness of the process. He remarked that if the NPP had been granted exclusive access, it would likely have sparked significant criticism from the NDC, highlighting the importance of balanced treatment for all parties.
Nimako further clarified that while the NPP is relying on reports from informants within its network to stay updated on the printing process, the party expected the EC to support greater transparency by accrediting representatives from all political parties. He emphasized that ensuring openness in every aspect of the election process would build trust among voters and prevent allegations of favoritism.
In his concluding remarks, Nimako urged the EC to reconsider its approach and provide all political parties with equal monitoring rights. “Transparency is key to a fair election. We believe in the integrity of the electoral process, and this includes allowing all parties to observe each stage, including ballot printing,” he said.
The NPP’s call for transparency comes amid heightened political tensions as Ghana prepares for the upcoming elections. The party has underscored that the integrity of the election process is crucial for fostering confidence among voters and ensuring a smooth democratic transition.
As of now, the EC has not publicly responded to the NPP's concerns. The NPP’s statement reflects ongoing public scrutiny of the electoral process and highlights the importance of transparency in Ghana’s democracy.
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