The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has announced its preparedness to conduct special voting on Monday, ahead of the general elections scheduled for December 7. The exercise will involve over 130,000 individuals, including EC staff, media personnel, and security officers, who are listed to cast their ballots early to facilitate their roles on Election Day.
Addressing a press briefing, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa confirmed that all logistical arrangements had been finalized 72 hours prior to the special voting exercise. She reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the electoral process.
Addressing Ballot Paper Concerns
This announcement follows reports of ballot paper shortfalls in the Bono and Volta Regions. The EC clarified that these discrepancies were identified during routine verification by its regional staff, emphasizing that such checks are standard procedure to guarantee the accuracy of ballot printing and distribution.
In a statement, Deputy Chairman of Operations Samuel Tettey explained the discovery process, saying, “It is the Commission's regional staff who uncovered the shortfalls and reported them as required. The Commission acted swiftly, ordered reprints, and duly informed political parties. This demonstrates the effectiveness of our accountability mechanisms.”
The EC stated that it had also directed regional and district officials to ensure that all ballot papers received align with the quantities outlined in documentation provided to both the Commission and political parties.
Commitment to Transparency
The Commission assured stakeholders that the shortfalls do not compromise the integrity of the elections, highlighting the proactive measures taken to address the issue before ballots were dispatched. Additionally, political parties have been informed and given the opportunity to monitor the reprinting process.
Jean Mensa stressed that the EC is committed to conducting credible, peaceful, and transparent elections. “Our processes are designed to detect and rectify anomalies promptly. We remain focused on delivering free and fair elections,” she said.
Looking Ahead to December 7
With special voting set to begin, the EC’s preparations mark a significant step toward ensuring the smooth conduct of Ghana’s elections. Voters nationwide are encouraged to remain confident in the electoral system and support efforts to maintain peace during this critical period.
As the elections draw closer, the EC reiterated its dedication to professionalism, urging all stakeholders to work collaboratively to uphold Ghana’s democratic legacy.
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