KEY POINTS
- The EC reprinted ballots to protect Ghana election credibility.
- Cost concerns are secondary to ensuring trust in the process.
- Stakeholders were involved in ensuring ballot destruction transparency.
The Deputy Chairman of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) in charge of Corporate Services, Dr. Bossman Asare, has defended the decision to reprint ballot papers for the Volta and Ahafo regions, emphasizing that credibility in elections is more important than cost savings.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on November 19, Dr. Asare explained that discrepancies in serial numbers on the ballots could have undermined the integrity of the voting process. “If you don’t get the serial numbers right, and someone votes for a candidate, there’s a risk that the ballot could be deemed rejected,” he noted.
He reiterated that the Electoral Commission prioritized ensuring credible, transparent, and peaceful elections over concerns about the financial implications.
Maintaining trust in Ghana’s electoral system
According to Dr. Asare, the EC’s decision was guided by its commitment to preserving public trust in the electoral system. He stated that taxpayers value a credible and trustworthy process over mere cost savings. “We believe that the taxpayer will be more concerned about us having a system that is very peaceful, very credible, and very transparent,” he said.
To ensure accountability, the EC will involve political parties, the Ghana Police Service, the National Intelligence Bureau, and the printing house in overseeing the destruction of the flawed ballots. A destruction certificate will be signed by all parties present to confirm proper disposal.
Ensuring credibility with stakeholder inclusivity
Dr. Asare emphasized that the EC values inclusivity and worked closely with political parties to address the ballot discrepancies. Despite initial efforts to salvage the flawed ballots, gaps were still identified, prompting the decision to reprint.
“We have a strong reputation to protect,” he stressed. “Ensuring the integrity of the process so that all the political parties are happy is more important than the cost argument.”
The EC has also involved additional printing houses to expedite the reprinting process while preserving credibility.
Commitment to credible elections
Dr. Asare assured the public that the EC remains committed to engaging stakeholders and addressing cost implications responsibly. However, he emphasized that delivering elections that all stakeholders can trust is the Commission’s top priority.
“Inaction on this issue would have been more devastating,” he said. “Imagine people saying there are problems with the ballot papers after voting—it would certainly not bode well for the Commission.”
The EC’s decision reflects its unwavering commitment to credibility, transparency, and inclusivity. “We believe that a credible system, where all players and stakeholders are satisfied, is what matters most,” Dr. Asare concluded.
