The Chairperson of Ghana's Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Adukwei Mensa, has called for calm and patience as the commission diligently works to finalize and announce the results of the 2024 presidential election. Speaking to the media on Sunday, December 8, 2024, Jean Mensa reassured Ghanaians of the EC’s commitment to a transparent and credible process.
“We understand the anxiety and high expectations of Ghanaians, especially since both major political parties have released their tallied results,” she stated. “However, the EC must adhere to an elaborate and thorough process to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the results.”
Jean Mensa highlighted the rigorous process outlined under the Constitutional Instrument (CI) 127, which allows the EC up to 72 hours to declare the results. While she acknowledged that the commission set a precedent in 2020 by declaring the results within 48 hours, she explained that the current election required more time due to logistical and verification challenges.
“While we were able to declare results quickly in 2020, we must prioritize accuracy over speed this year. If all regional results are verified earlier, we will not hesitate to announce the winner. However, we are prepared to use the full 72 hours to uphold the integrity of the process,” she emphasized.
The EC Chairperson also reassured the public that the results from polling stations, captured on pink sheets verified and signed by party agents, remain the foundation of the final tally. “These results represent the true will of the people, and we will ensure they are protected and respected,” she said.
Her remarks came in response to mounting pressure from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). Party Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia called on the National Peace Council to urge the EC to expedite the results announcement. At a separate press briefing, he noted that both the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had independently collated results showing a victory for the NDC’s candidate, John Dramani Mahama.
“The two leading parties have concluded their tallies, and even the NPP has conceded. What, then, is delaying the EC from making an official announcement?” Asiedu Nketia questioned.
Despite the calls for urgency, Jean Mensa emphasized that the EC's approach is focused on fairness and transparency. “We want Ghanaians to know that this election has been conducted credibly and inclusively. The results we announce will reflect the true choice of the people,” she concluded.
This story was reported by Abubakar Ibrahim and first published on MyJoyOnline.com.
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