KEY POINTS
- Yasarko Press withdrew due to technical issues.
- EC reassigned ballot printing to Buck Press and Acts Commercials.
- All parties and candidates were informed of the change.
For the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections, the Electoral Commission (EC) has announced modifications to its printing arrangements, reassigning the ballot production responsibilities that were previously given to Yasarko Press.
This followed concerns raised in the press over technical pitfalls on some core equipment the press had been using to print ballots for the Oti and Western North Regions this week.
Addressing political opposition concerns about the press’s ability, the EC detailed the reasons for Yasarko Press’s departure in a statement released on Sunday. Yasarko, who has been with the EC since 1998, and the Commission reached an agreement for Yasarko to resign from its election-related duties this year.
Swift reallocation of ballot printing
The EC moved the printing responsibilities for the Oti and Western North ballots to Buck Press and Acts Commercials, respectively, in a prompt response to the situation.
According to 3news, the EC emphasized that this move will not affect the printing schedule or cause the election calendar to be delayed, expressing trust in the experience and performance of these businesses.
“All Political Parties and Independent Candidates contesting in the 2024 General Election have been notified of this change,” the EC confirmed, adding that transparency and efficiency remain central to their election oversight.
The EC emphasized that the new printing arrangement upholds the electoral process’s security and integrity criteria. Acts Commercials and Buck Press both have solid reputations, and the EC is certain that they will do the task quickly and effectively.
Addressing public concerns
Concern from the public was also discussed by the Commission, particularly concern raised by the opposition party in Ghana, the NDC whose representative doubted the capability of Yasarko Press to accomplish the initial task.
Indeed, as the EC said in its statement, Yasarko withdrew due to technicalities unrelated to capacity in any way.
The EC reemphasized that such reorganization would meet the cantankerous demands of electoral process, where Buck Press and Acts Commercials assumed the printing responsibilities.
Voters are reassured that the EC remains committed to ensuring a seamless and secure election.
