KEY POINTS
- EC to reprint ballots for Ahafo and Volta regions.
- Incorrect serial numbers on ballots prompted the decision.
- Faulty ballots will be destroyed with oversight from stakeholders.
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has announced that it will reprint all ballot papers for the Ahafo and Volta regions due to incorrect serial numbers. The decision was disclosed by the EC’s Deputy Chairman of Operations, Samuel Tettey, during an emergency Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting held on Friday, November 15, 2024.
The issue, which relates to the serialisation of ballot numbers, was identified as a potential problem during the production process. Although printing of ballot papers has progressed smoothly for other regions, the EC decided to act swiftly to rectify the anomaly in the affected areas.
“The challenge faced by the Commission has been with the serialisation of the numbers on the ballot papers,” Tettey explained.
EC addresses ballot serialisation issue for two regions
Mr. Tettey reassured stakeholders that the EC had deployed teams to the printing houses to address the issue and take corrective measures. Despite their efforts to fix the anomalies during the process, the Commission resolved to reprint the entire batch of ballots for the Ahafo and Volta regions to ensure accuracy and fairness.
Both presidential and parliamentary ballot papers for the two regions will be reprinted by Buck Press and Acts Commercials. Tettey added that the EC will share a revised printing timetable with stakeholders by the end of the day.
This proactive measure, according to the EC, is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the 2024 general elections.
New ballot printing timetable shared with stakeholders
According to myjoyonline, the EC noted that the reprinting would not delay the election schedule. Tettey emphasized that the Commission is committed to conducting a free, fair, and transparent election, and the issue with the ballot serialisation has been treated with the urgency it requires.
The EC also clarified that the defective ballots had not been distributed to the affected regions. As such, a recall is not necessary.
Faulty ballots disposal to follow transparent destruction process
To maintain transparency, the EC announced plans to dispose of the defective ballots in the presence of all political parties and stakeholders. A certificate of destruction will be signed by all representatives present, with copies provided to ensure accountability.
The EC’s efforts to address the issue swiftly and transparently have been welcomed by political parties. The Commission reiterated its commitment to upholding public confidence in the electoral process.
The Ahafo and Volta regions are expected to receive their reprinted ballots on time for the elections, ensuring that the process proceeds without disruption.
