The National Democratic Congress (NDC), the main opposition party in Ghana, has urged a thorough investigation into a breach involving a defaced ballot paper intended for the Eastern Region. The incident has raised concerns about the integrity of the upcoming general elections.
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has responded by recalling and ordering the reprinting of ballot papers for both the Eastern and Western Regions. This decision follows the discovery of a leaked ballot paper, which was reportedly taken out of Checkpoint Printing Limited, one of the printing houses contracted by the EC. The defaced ballot paper, which had been marked for destruction, was found outside the facility under unclear circumstances.
Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, announced the recall at an emergency press conference on Sunday, December 1. As a result, special voting in the affected regions has been postponed to Thursday, December 5. This measure aims to address the breach and ensure the credibility of the electoral process.
While political parties have expressed their support for the EC’s decision to reprint the ballot papers, both the NDC and the People's National Convention (PNC) are demanding a comprehensive investigation into the incident. They have called for accountability and punitive measures against those responsible for the breach.
Dr. Omane Boamah, Director of Elections for the NDC, emphasized the need for swift action by Ghana’s security agencies, including the National Investigation Bureau (NIB), to identify and apprehend those involved. Speaking to Joy News after the EC’s announcement, Dr. Boamah expressed concerns about the implications of the incident on public trust in the electoral process.
“This situation tarnishes the credibility of the general election,” Dr. Boamah stated. While acknowledging the EC’s efforts to rectify the issue through reprinting, he noted that this action alone “will never erase the entire risk.” He further questioned whether any arrests had been made in connection with breaking the seals on the ballot papers and called on security agencies to provide updates to the public.
Similarly, Samson Awingobit, National Chairman of the PNC, called for a full investigation into the matter. He argued that destroying the leaked papers is insufficient and stressed that identifying and punishing those responsible is essential to maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.
Mr. Awingobit also underscored the importance of transparency in ensuring a credible election. “The EC must conduct a transparent election to protect its image and build confidence among Ghanaians,” he stated.
The credibility of this year’s election has come under scrutiny following reports of three key issues with the ballot papers: a shortfall in quantities, errors in serialisation, and breaches of security seals. These developments have heightened concerns among stakeholders about the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process.
As investigations continue, both political parties and civil society groups are urging swift action to address these challenges and safeguard public confidence in the democratic process. The Electoral Commission has reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections despite these setbacks.
