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Tag: EC

  • Let’s protect our democracy by collaborating with EC – Omane Boamah to NPP

    Let’s protect our democracy by collaborating with EC – Omane Boamah to NPP

    Defence Minister and outgoing NDC Director of Elections and IT, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has called on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to save Ghana’s democracy by collaborating with the Electoral Commission (EC).

    “Let’s work together to fix the broken Electoral Commission and save Ghana’s democracy!” he appealed.

    His appeal follows the EC’s recent announcement, noting that it will hold a rerun of the Parliamentary election for the Ablekuma North constituency.

    Explaining its decision, the EC stated that 19 scanned polling station results used for collation, though approved by agents of both political parties, were not verified by the presiding officers responsible for those polling stations.

    “It is instructive to note that, the Commission was able to secure the Presiding Officers’ verification and confirmation for 18 scanned polling station results—agents of both parties also approved same. A rerun will therefore not be held in those polling stations,” the Commission noted in a statement.

    The EC arrived at this decision after it met with the representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday, July 1.

    The meeting, which was a follow-up to an earlier meeting held on Thursday, 12th June, provided both parties the opportunity to brief the commission on any new developments regarding the said constituency.

    The parties informed the Commission that their positions put forward at the last meeting remained unchanged.

    The NDC held the view that the election should be rerun in thirty-seven (37) polling stations because scanned pink sheets from 37 polling stations, which were used to collate the results, were provided by the NPP.

    The NPP was of the view that the results from three (3) outstanding polling stations be collated and a winner declared, since the NDC agents had verified and confirmed the scanned polling station results they presented.

    In response, the NPP filed an interlocutory injunction application on July 6to restrain the Electoral Commission (EC) from proceeding with the rerun election.

    General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has noted that the party won the 2024 Ablekuma North parliamentary election and, as such, will not participate in the rerun election slated for Friday, July 11.

    At a press briefing today, July 8, Frimpong Kodua noted the Electoral Commission to complete collation of results and declare the party’s candidate, Akua Afriyie, as winner.

    “We have our undeniable evidence to clearly show that we won the Ablekuma North parliamentary election. And yesterday, when the National Executive Committee met, we said that under no circumstances will we be intimidated. Under no circumstance will we be coerced to go for a rerun.”

    “We will not go for any rerun. We have won the elections. What we are asking the Electoral Commission is to follow the court directive, finish the collation, and declare our candidate, Akua Afriyie, as the MP-elect for Ablekuma North,” he said.

    But the NPP’s application has been dismissed by the High Court.

    Ablekuma North remains the only constituency in Ghana without a sitting MP, months after the 2024 general elections, due to unresolved disagreements over the outcome of the parliamentary vote.

    On December 10, 2024, three days after the national polls, the EC declared Ewurabena Aubynn of the NDC the winner of the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat, defeating the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh.

    However, the EC later revoked the announcement, revealing that results from 62 of the 281 polling stations had not been included in the initial collation.

    Efforts to restart the collation in January 2025 were disrupted by multiple challenges.

    These included interruptions due to the submission of unverified pink sheets and a violent intrusion at the collation centre that heightened security concerns.

    By January 6, only seven polling station results remained uncollated. Yet the process came to a standstill as the EC began engaging both major political parties in an attempt to break the deadlock.

    Both the NPP and the NDC have declared victory in the December parliamentary elections.

    The NPP maintains that its candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, emerged the winner based on Electoral Commission figures, while the NDC insists that Ewurabena Aubyn was rightfully elected by the people.

    Appearing before Parliament on Thursday, June 19, the Deputy Chairperson of the EC in charge of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bossman noted the Commission will only resort to a re-run after all measures have been exhausted.

    “So, for Ablekuma North, we have not reached the point where we will say we don’t have the results. When we try and we cannot get the results, that is when we will resort to the rerun. The rerun will be a last option,” he said.

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, warned that the continued delay poses a serious threat to Ghana’s democratic reputation and the integrity of its electoral system.

    He cautioned that how the dispute is handled will shape public trust in Ghana’s electoral processes well beyond the current cycle.

    “This is a pivotal moment. The way we handle the collation in Ablekuma North will resonate across the country. It will set the tone, not only for this election, but also for public confidence in the years to come,” Dr. Yohuno stated.

  • NPP’s Ahiagbah says planned ousting of CJ part of plans to sack Jean Mensah

    NPP’s Ahiagbah says planned ousting of CJ part of plans to sack Jean Mensah

    NPP’s Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, has alleged that the petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo are part of a broader strategy to replace her with a nominee sympathetic to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    His statement comes in the wake of petitions submitted to President John Dramani Mahama, accusing the Chief Justice of misconduct and calling for her removal.

    In response, President Mahama referred the petitions to the Council of State for advice and granted Justice Torkornoo a 10-day window to submit her response.

    Reacting to the development on social media platform X, Ahiagbah characterized the move as a calculated attempt to weaken judicial independence and facilitate the removal of key electoral officials, including Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa.

    He warned that such actions pose a serious threat to democratic governance and institutional integrity, urging Ghanaians to resist any attempts to undermine the country’s democratic structures.

    “A grand scheme is underway to remove the Chief Justice and replace her with a preferred NDC-Mahama Chief Justice, who will implement the agenda of ousting the electoral commissioners (Jean Mensa and others).

    “This is a premeditated attack on institutional independence and, ultimately, on our democracy.

    “We must find the courage as citizens, regardless of where we belong, to speak out unequivocally against the politics of the John Mahama Administration.

    “Silence would be a disservice to our posterity….”

  • EC postpone nomination for Nkoranza North and South District Level Elections

    EC postpone nomination for Nkoranza North and South District Level Elections

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has revised the nomination period for the Nkoranza North and Nkoranza South District Level Elections, as well as by-elections for other vacant electoral areas.

    Originally set for April 1 to April 4, 2025, the submission window has now been rescheduled to Monday, April 7, through Thursday, April 10, 2025.

    In an official statement, the EC explained that the adjustment was necessary due to the declaration of Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as a public holiday.

    Despite the change in dates, the time and designated venues for submitting nominations remain unchanged. The Commission, therefore, urges the public and all aspiring candidates to take note of the new schedule.

    EC Press Release on District Level Elections_New Date

    The election has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in accordance with the District Level Elections Regulations, 2015 (C.I. 89).

    This process is intended to elect new Assembly and Unit Committee Members following the expiration of their terms.

    Additionally, by-elections will be conducted on the same day to fill vacancies created by the resignation or demise of some Assembly Members.

  • 2024 election is proof that polls are won or lost at the polling station – Jean Mensa

    2024 election is proof that polls are won or lost at the polling station – Jean Mensa

    Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, has emphasized that the results of the December 7 general elections reinforce the principle that elections are ultimately decided at the polling stations.

    In a decisive victory, National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Dramani Mahama secured the presidency with a significant margin, defeating his closest rival, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party, by approximately 1.7 million votes.

    Addressing the political party representatives during the first Inter-party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting after the December 7 elections, Jean Mensa said, “The outcomes are indeed an attestation that elections in Ghana are free, fair, credible, and transparent. It is a confirmation that elections are indeed won or lost at the polling station, and therefore it is important for political parties to also own what happens at the polling stations. It is also a confirmation that the Electoral Commission of Ghana can be trusted to conduct and undertake free, fair, transparent, and credible elections year after year.”

    Jean Mensa reaffirmed the Electoral Commission’s commitment to upholding the democratic rights of all Ghanaians by ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections. She emphasized that the commission, as an independent constitutional body, is dedicated to protecting the sovereign will of the people through the ballot. She further stressed that the commission has no vested interest in influencing election outcomes in favor of any political party but remains focused on reflecting the true choice of the electorate.

    “It is also an affirmation that the choice of the people and the citizens as expressed at the polls is what the Electoral Commission of Ghana will always support and declare.”

    “As a commission, we have always maintained that our role is not to make any candidate or political party a winner. This is a message that we have reiterated time and time again, and it was not lost on us any time we had our meetings with our staff, both permanent and temporary, as well as our meetings with key stakeholders.”

  • Former EC Dep. Chair, Amadu Sulley, passes away

    Former EC Dep. Chair, Amadu Sulley, passes away

    Alhaji Amadu Sulley, a former Deputy Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC), has died.

    His passing occurred on the afternoon of Saturday, March 1, 2025, and in line with Islamic customs, his burial rites are set for Sunday, March 2.

    A statement from his family, as shared by 3news, confirmed his demise and invited Muslim brothers and sisters, friends, and loved ones to participate in the burial rites.

    The funeral will take place at his residence, followed by interment at the Madina Muslim Cemetery in Accra.

    The family highlighted that he passed away while observing the first fast of Ramadan, a moment they considered spiritually significant.

    “To Allah be the glory. May Allah forgive him and grant all our departed souls Jannat Firdaus,” the statement read.

    Alhaji Sulley previously served as the EC’s Deputy Chairperson in charge of Operations until June 2018, when he was dismissed by then-President Nana Akufo-Addo. His removal, along with that of EC Chairperson Charlotte Osei and fellow deputy Georgina Opoku Amankwaa, followed an investigation into allegations of misconduct and incompetence.

    During his tenure, he played a key role in overseeing the operational aspects of the 2016 general elections. His leadership, however, was marked by controversy, including internal conflicts and accusations of financial mismanagement.

    The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed, and further information is expected in due course.

  • EC, NDC, NPP to discuss unresolved Ablekuma North electoral results

    EC, NDC, NPP to discuss unresolved Ablekuma North electoral results

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has revealed plans to engage the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in a bid to resolve the long-standing impasse over the Ablekuma North Constituency parliamentary election results.

    EC Chairperson Jean Mensa disclosed this during an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting held at the EC’s corporate office in Accra last Wednesday. The meeting, attended by political parties, civil society organizations, media representatives, and state institutions, focused on strengthening collaboration between the commission and its stakeholders.

    “We will have an in-depth meeting to discuss it,” Mrs. Mensa stated, highlighting the need for dialogue to bring finality to the dispute. However, no date has been set for the engagement.

    The controversy surrounding the election results stems from incomplete results sheets from three polling stations, delaying the official declaration. The situation has fueled tension in the constituency, with supporters of both parties engaging in heated confrontations.

    The NDC maintains that its candidate, Ewurabena Aubyn, emerged victorious, while the NPP insists Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie won. In the absence of an official verdict, both parties have erected billboards thanking voters for their support.

    The Ablekuma North Constituency has 281 polling stations, with verified results from 278. The three remaining polling stations remain the focal point of the dispute, keeping the final outcome in limbo.

  • North East, Ashanti Regions to hold Council of State election rerun on Feb 17

    North East, Ashanti Regions to hold Council of State election rerun on Feb 17

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has scheduled a rerun of the Council of State elections in the North East and Ashanti Regions for Monday, February 17, following disruptions that prevented the completion of the process.

    In the North East Region, the rerun has been necessitated by a tie between the top two candidates, both of whom secured six votes each, making it impossible to declare a winner.

    Meanwhile, in the Ashanti Region, electoral proceedings were abruptly halted after a violent disturbance. A group of individuals stormed the voting center, overturning tables, destroying ballot boxes, and scattering election materials. The chaos forced Electoral Commission officials to suspend the process.

    The disruption is believed to have been sparked by the unexpected loss of Yaw Owusu Obimpeh, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, who was widely considered the frontrunner. His agitated supporters allegedly instigated the unrest, demanding a reassessment of the results.

    Despite a strong police presence, security personnel struggled to restore order, prompting the Commission to call for additional reinforcements. In response, the Commission has formally requested the Ghana Police Service and the National Election Security Taskforce to strengthen security measures at the rerun venues.

    In the wake of the disturbances, Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Frank Abrokwa, has been relieved of his duties.

  • Council of State election set for today; 155 candidates vie for seats nationwide

    Council of State election set for today; 155 candidates vie for seats nationwide

    The Electoral Commission (EC) is conducting the nationwide Council of State elections today, February 11, 2025. From the 16 regions, 155 candidates, including 10 women, have stepped forward to contest.

    The voting will take place between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the regional coordinating councils in various regional capitals.

    The Council of State members are chosen by an Electoral College, which consists of two representatives nominated by each District Assembly. This election is not open to the general public.

    A total of 522 people are expected to vote in today’s election. Once the voting ends, the winners will be announced at the voting centers.

    The Council of State, consisting of 30 members, acts as an advisory body to the President, Ministers of State, Parliament, and other public agencies, promoting responsible and accountable governance.

  • Ablekuma North: NDC warns EC; say no flawed results would be accepted

    Ablekuma North: NDC warns EC; say no flawed results would be accepted

    National Democratic Congress (NDC) has declared that it will not recognize the results of the 2024 parliamentary election in Ablekuma North unless proper collation procedures are followed.

    This stance comes after the Electoral Commission’s Deputy Director of Research announced that the Commission was preparing to complete the collation process and officially declare the outcome.

    During the NDC Ablekuma North Parliamentary Election Results Vigil on Sunday, February 9, Constituency Organizer Musah Kalamu reaffirmed the party’s commitment to preventing any premature or unlawful declaration of results.

    He also urged party supporters to remain calm and resist any attempts to disrupt peace in the constituency.

    Speaking at the vigil, Peter Kabu, the NDC’s Deputy Constituency Secretary for Weija Gbawe, emphasized the party’s determination to ensure that only the right representatives take their place in Parliament.

    He stressed that the NDC would not allow individuals who could undermine parliamentary proceedings to assume office.

  • We are ready to complete collation of Ablekuma North results – EC declares

    We are ready to complete collation of Ablekuma North results – EC declares

    Electoral Commission’s (EC) Deputy Director of Research, Fred Tetteh, has announced the Commission’s preparedness to finalize the collation of parliamentary results for the Ablekuma North constituency. The process had faced delays owing to security issues.

    In a February 6, 2025, interview with Citi FM, Tetteh reassured the public that the Commission is now ready to move forward with the collation process.

    “As it stands now, the Commission is ready to finalize the collation by incorporating results from the remaining three polling stations and make the final declaration,” Tetteh stated.

    “We have formally written to the police for security assistance, as we do not want a recurrence of the incidents on January 17, the results are ready, and once security is assured, we will proceed with the final collation and declaration,” citinewsroom.com quoted him to have said.

    He refuted the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s allegations that the issue is still before the courts, asserting his lack of knowledge regarding any ongoing legal cases related to it.

    The collation process had been temporarily halted following a High Court directive on January 4, 2025, instructing the Electoral Commission (EC) to complete and announce the results of four unresolved parliamentary elections.

    The collation in Ablekuma North recommenced on January 8, 2025, but was disrupted again due to missing results from three polling stations.

    In the midst of these challenges, tensions continue to escalate in the constituency. Both the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s Akua Afriyieh and the NDC’s Ewurabena Aubyn have prematurely declared victory by erecting billboards, even though the EC has yet to officially announce the final results.

    Ongoing disputes and interruptions have significantly delayed the re-collation process, causing heightened uncertainty and anxiety among the residents.

    Ablekuma North remains the only constituency from the December 7 parliamentary elections without an officially declared winner.

    As of now, the EC has not set a new date to resume the re-collation of results.

  • Ebi bright drags Tema Central MP to court over seat

    Ebi bright drags Tema Central MP to court over seat

    NDC parliamentary candidate for Tema Central, Ebi Bright, has filed a petition at the High Court to challenge Charles Forson’s election as the Member of Parliament for the constituency.

    In her petition, Bright argues that the results which led to Forson’s declaration as the winner do not accurately reflect the true outcome of the election. She claims that irregularities were present in the results from three specific polling stations.

    Bright further contends that the original pink sheets from these three polling stations, which were kept by the Electoral Commission, included the names and signatures of the presiding officers, but the copies provided to the NDC lacked these key details.

    Additionally, she asserts that the votes recorded for the candidates on the original pink sheets do not match the total number of valid votes or overall votes tallied.

    As a result, Bright is seeking for the court to invalidate the results from these three stations and reverse Forson’s declaration as the MP. She also wants the court to refer to earlier results, which excluded the disputed stations, where she was declared the winner. Alternatively, she is requesting that the court orders a re-run at the three polling stations.

    In a related case, on January 4, 2025, an Accra High Court instructed the Electoral Commission (EC) to complete the collation of results from two remaining polling stations in the Tema Central constituency. This ruling followed mandamus applications filed by NPP candidates, urging the EC to fulfill its legal responsibilities.

    Justice Forson Agyapong, who presided over the case, cited breaches of legal obligations and natural justice as grounds for the application. He emphasized that the EC is required to perform its duties fairly and in line with the law. In the case of Tema Central, the court found that the EC had unlawfully excluded results from two polling stations, clarifying that only the declaration by the returning officer is legally binding. The EC was thus instructed to complete the collation at its Accra regional office.

    Following the court’s order, Charles Forson of the NPP was officially declared the winner of the parliamentary race, securing 18,870 votes to narrowly beat Ebi Bright, who received 18,815 votes. Independent candidate Frederick Aniagyei received 209 votes. The total valid votes cast stood at 37,894, with 144 rejected ballots, bringing the overall total votes to 38,038.

  • Petition filed; urges Mahama to remove EC Chair Jean Mensa

    Petition filed; urges Mahama to remove EC Chair Jean Mensa

    A petition has been filed requesting President John Mahama to remove the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, along with Deputy EC Chairs Samuel Tetteh and Dr. Bossman Eric Asare, and EC member Dr. Peter Appiahene.

    The petition which was filed on January 27, argues that these EC officials have violated fundamental human rights under Article 42 of the 1992 Constitution. It also accuses them of incompetence, bias, and actions that have damaged public trust in the Commission’s integrity, violating Articles 23 and 296 of the Constitution.

    The petitioner, based in the Volta Region, pointed to the disenfranchisement of voters in the Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) areas during the 2020 parliamentary elections as a major violation of citizens’ rights. The petition claims that the SALL residents were denied representation in Parliament, which could have affected the balance of power in a hung parliament.

    “For over four years, the people of SALL were deprived of their constitutional right to parliamentary representation, leaving them without a voice in the legislative process. Also, at the time of this deliberate exclusion, the parliamentary composition was a hung parliament. The SALL area’s parliamentary vote was pivotal and could have potentially given the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) a majority.
    By disenfranchising these voters, the EC acted in a manner that suggests partisan bias and an attempt to influence the balance of power in Parliament.”

    Further allegations include what the petitioner described as poor management during the 2020 elections, with errors in presidential election results and claims of overt partisanship by certain commissioners.

    “The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, in concert with her deputies, has demonstrated gross incompetence in the performance of her duties. Announcing such a critical decision (Exhibit A) on the eve of an election suggests poor management and a failure to anticipate the impact of the Guan District’s
    creation on electoral arrangements.”

    The petitioner also referenced past comments and actions by Dr. Bossman Asare and Dr. Peter Appiahene, accusing them of compromising the EC’s impartiality.

    “Dr. Bossman Asare, made numerous social media comments on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter before his appointment, displaying overt bias against the opposition party. These statements have raised questions about his impartiality and suitability for the role.”

    The petition urges President Mahama to take action under Article 146 of the Constitution to restore public trust in the electoral process. It is backed by substantial evidence and exhibits to support the claims made. The Presidency has yet to comment on the issue.

    Jean Mensa became the EC Chairperson on July 23, 2018, following the removal of her predecessor, Charlotte Osei. Since then, she has overseen two major elections.

    This is not the first time Jean Mensa has faced such challenges. In August 2020, she successfully defended herself against a petition filed by the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA), which was dismissed by former President Akufo-Addo. The dismissal came after it was noted that although Mensa had not declared her assets at the time, she took the necessary steps to do so when the issue was raised.

    Additionally, in August 2022, the Fix the Country Movement also submitted a petition to former President Akufo-Addo, concerning the electoral rights of residents in the Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) areas in the Oti Region.

  • EC to reinstate Ablekuma North Returning Officer who quit over recollation impasse

    EC to reinstate Ablekuma North Returning Officer who quit over recollation impasse

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced plans to reinstate the Returning Officer for Ablekuma North, Vincent Obeng, to complete the collation of parliamentary results for the constituency.

    Mr. Obeng had earlier declared his intention to step down from the collation process, citing frustrations during the exercise on January 8, 2025. He requested the EC to appoint a replacement to conclude the collation.

    However, speaking at the collation centre in Accra on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, the EC’s Director of Training, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, acknowledged Mr. Obeng’s frustrations but clarified that his withdrawal was not final.

    “I think it is out of frustration that he is saying what he said, and I understand him, but I don’t think that it is the end of the road, we will get him back.

    “I want to put on record that the commission has no interest at all in who becomes the MP but we should be very careful with the precedent we set. It is the voter who should be their leaders be it presidential or parliamentary,” he stated.

    Mr. Obeng had earlier confirmed that collation for Ablekuma North remained incomplete, with only three polling stations left out of a total of seven. He noted that results from four polling stations had already been successfully collated.

    Tensions escalated at the Greater Accra Regional Office during the resumption of the collation process, with chaos breaking out after the EC moved to continue the exercise. The disruption stemmed from accusations by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that the EC was colluding with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to alter election results in the constituency.

    The NDC’s Constituency Organiser, Musa Kalamu, alleged that the EC was aiding the NPP in manipulating figures from pink sheets of the remaining polling stations.

    The EC had earlier suspended the collation process on January 6, 2025, to resolve outstanding issues with results from seven polling stations, seeking to verify and authenticate the figures before resuming.

    Out of the 20 outstanding polling stations initially pending before the collation exercise on Monday, January 6, presiding officers successfully authenticated pink sheets from 13 polling stations submitted by the NPP.

  • EC suspends recollation of Ablekuma North results

    EC suspends recollation of Ablekuma North results

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has suspended the collation of parliamentary results for the Ablekuma North constituency due to discrepancies identified in results from 20 polling stations.

    Out of 62 outstanding polling stations in the constituency, 42 have been successfully cleared. However, the returning officer cited irregularities in the remaining 20 and requested an additional 24 hours to verify the figures before declaring the final results.

    The suspension follows a High Court ruling on January 4, which directed the EC to finalize the collation and declaration of results in four disputed constituencies: Tema Central, Ablekuma North, Okaikwei Central, and Techiman South. The court’s decision was based on successful mandamus applications filed by New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidates from the constituencies.

    The EC has since completed the collation for three constituencies—Tema Central, Okaikwei Central, and Techiman South—where the NPP secured victories. Patrick Yaw Boamah reclaimed the Okaikwei Central seat with 21,099 votes, overturning an earlier declaration favoring the NDC’s Baba Sadiq. Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah won Techiman South with 46,663 votes, defeating NDC’s Christopher Beyere Baasongti, who garnered 43,429 votes. Charles Forson secured the Tema Central seat with 18,870 votes, narrowly defeating the NDC’s Ebi Bright.

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has since filed an appeal challenging the High Court’s directive, citing unresolved concerns over the collation process.

  • NDC appeals High Court’s order for EC to complete results collation in 4 constituencies

    NDC appeals High Court’s order for EC to complete results collation in 4 constituencies

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has filed a notice of appeal against a High Court ruling that directed the Electoral Commission (EC) to complete the collation and declaration of parliamentary results in four disputed constituencies.

    The appeal comes just days before the swearing-in of newly-elected Members of Parliament. The High Court in Accra, on January 6, 2025, ordered the EC to finalize the collation of results for Tema Central, Ablekuma North, Okaikwei Central, and Techiman South, following successful mandamus applications filed by New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidates from the constituencies.

    Subsequently, the EC completed the collation for three of the constituencies—Tema Central, Okaikwei Central, and Techiman South—resulting in the NPP winning all three seats on January 5. Patrick Yaw Boamah retained the Okaikwei Central seat with 21,099 votes, overturning a prior declaration in favor of the NDC’s Baba Sadiq.

    Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah won Techiman South with 46,663 votes, defeating the NDC’s Christopher Beyere Baasongti, who obtained 43,429 votes. Charles Forson secured the Tema Central seat with 18,870 votes, narrowly defeating NDC’s Ebi Bright.

    However, the EC has indefinitely suspended collation in Ablekuma North due to discrepancies from 20 polling stations. The constituency has 62 outstanding polling stations, with 42 already cleared. The returning officer requested 24 hours to validate the results before announcing the final outcome.

  • EC ordered by High Court to complete collation for Tema Central

    EC ordered by High Court to complete collation for Tema Central

    The High Court has directed the Electoral Commission (EC) to complete the collation of the two outstanding polling station results for Tema Central.

    The decision follows a mandamus application filed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which also includes the constituencies of Okaikwei Central, Techiman South, and Ablekuma North.

    The court’s ruling came after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) challenged the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case, but their objection was dismissed.

    NPP’s legal team, led by Gary Nimako, argued that the EC should be compelled to finalize the collation process in the affected constituencies, highlighting that the EC failed to complete the collation between December 8, 2024, and January 1, 2025.

    Initially, Ebi Bright of the NDC was declared the winner in Tema Central. However, after a re-collation conducted by the EC, Charles Forson of the NPP was declared the winner. The EC cited threats to its staff in Tema Central as a factor contributing to the delay.

    The court further directed the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akufo-Dampare, to ensure adequate security for the completion of the collation process without disruptions.

  • Ruling on NPP’s mandamus application to be delivered on Jan. 4

    Ruling on NPP’s mandamus application to be delivered on Jan. 4

    The High Court has set January 4, 2025, as the date to deliver its ruling on a mandamus application filed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) regarding the collation of parliamentary election results in four constituencies: Tema Central, Okaikwei Central, Techiman South, and Ablekuma North.

    This follows the court’s earlier dismissal of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s objection, which challenged its jurisdiction to hear the case.

    The NPP, represented by lead counsel Gary Nimako, is seeking an order compelling the Electoral Commission (EC) to complete the collation process in the affected constituencies.

    Nimako argued that the EC had unreasonably delayed the collation since December 8, 2024, denying constituents their right to know the results. He dismissed the NDC’s claims that results had already been declared, citing the absence of official forms and evidence that declarations were made without proper collation.

    The EC, through its counsel Justin Amenuvor, supported the NPP’s application, admitting the collation processes were incomplete. However, the NDC’s lawyer, Godwin Tameklo, opposed the motion, arguing that the NPP failed to demonstrate a refused demand, a prerequisite for mandamus.

    The ruling is expected to address the EC’s legal obligations and provide clarity on the handling of disputed election results.

  • Give EC every support to proceed with recollation of results – Afenyo-Markin urges intl community, media

    Give EC every support to proceed with recollation of results – Afenyo-Markin urges intl community, media

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on the international community, civil society organizations, and the media to support the Electoral Commission (EC) in completing the collation and declaration of results in constituencies where tensions have disrupted the process.

    At a press conference held at the party’s headquarters on Monday, December 16, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, a leading member of the NPP, appealed for moral backing for the EC, emphasizing the need for transparency and order in the electoral process.

    “Our appeal to the international community, civil society organisations, the media and all lovers of democracy is to show interest in this outstanding constituency and give the EC every morale support to proceed to make these declarations,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin stated.

    He further encouraged the Electoral Commission to follow through on its commitment to finalize the collation process and declare the results without interference. “We are also encouraging the Electoral Commission, pursuant to their own statement they issued, to proceed and collate and declare these results,” he added.

    The NPP’s press conference also saw former National Chairman Peter Mac Manu accusing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of attempting to disrupt the collation process in constituencies where the NDC feared losing parliamentary seats.

    The party alleged that the NDC had sent individuals to destroy election materials, attack electoral officers, and intimidate party representatives in areas such as Ablekuma North, Okaikwei Central, Tema Central, Dome Kwabenya, Ahafo Ano North, Obuasi East, Ahafo Ano South West, Akwatia, Suhum, Fanteakwa North, Nsawam Adoagyiri, and Techiman South.

    The NPP further accused the NDC of pressuring returning officers with threats to declare their candidates winners and forcing security personnel out of collation centres when results appeared to favor the NPP.

    The party reiterated its support for the Electoral Commission and urged all stakeholders to ensure the smooth completion of the electoral process.

    https://twitter.com/utvghana/status/1868631936568361139?s=46

  • EC declares Dome Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, 2 other Parliamentary declarations illegal

    EC declares Dome Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, 2 other Parliamentary declarations illegal

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that the parliamentary results for Dome Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, and Tema Central constituencies are invalid and cannot be upheld.

    Samuel Tettey, the Deputy EC Chair for Operations, shared this update at a press briefing in Accra on Friday.

    Tettey explained that out of the 12 constituencies needing re-collation of results, three—Suhum, Akwatia, and Fanteakwa North—have been successfully completed. However, re-collation is still pending for Ahafo Ano South West, Ahafo Ano North, Obuasi East, and Techiman South.

    “It is important to note that the re-collation in the following constituencies, namely Dome Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, and Tema Central, did not follow laid-down processes as enshrined in CI 127 despite police presence at the collation centres to enable the commission staff to undertake the re-collation.

    “The centres were again besieged by party supporters who took over the process and forced out staff to declare results of their preferred candidates,” Tettey stated.

    He further emphasised that in all four instances, the process of CI 127 was not followed, and EC officers were threatened to declare winners without adhering to the required procedures.

    “It is therefore the conclusion of the commission that the collation and declarations that did not follow laid down procedures are illegal and cannot be upheld by the commission since the processes for collation and declaration as set out in CI 127 were violated and not followed,” he added.

  • Kwame Appiah Kodua wins Fanteakwa-North seat after a re-collation of votes

    Kwame Appiah Kodua wins Fanteakwa-North seat after a re-collation of votes

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially declared Kwame Appiah Kodua as the winner of the Fanteakwa-North Constituency parliamentary election in the Eastern Region, following a disputed result.

    A re-collation of the votes was conducted on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Tesano Police Training School in Accra. The process showed Appiah Kodua, the Eastern Regional NADMO Coordinator, securing 11,751 votes, ahead of his opponent, Haruna Apaw-Wiredu from the NDC, who received 11,297 votes.

    This re-collation came after a previous declaration by the EC on the results, which initially named Apaw-Wiredu as the winner. The earlier announcement was challenged by the NPP candidate, Appiah Kodua, due to concerns over disputed pink sheets from two polling stations.

    In the first declaration, made at Begoro following the close of polls on Election Day, the Returning Officer, Zacharia Adams, had stated that the NDC candidate had won with 11,138 votes, while Appiah Kodua had received 10,847 votes.

    Appiah Kodua will now replace the outgoing MP, Kwabena Amankwa Asiamah, from the NPP.

  • EC relocates Eastern region results collation to Police training school

    EC relocates Eastern region results collation to Police training school

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has relocated the process to the National Police Training School (NPTS) at Tesano in Accra.

    As such, the Ghana Police Service has intensified security measures following disputes over results collation in the Eastern Region.

    The collation for the four outstanding constituencies is ongoing under a fortified security presence of Police and Military personnel to ensure a smooth and secure process.

    One constituency’s collation has been successfully completed, leaving three constituencies where collation is still underway.

    Similar arrangements have been made in the Ashanti and Bono East Regions, with the Police awaiting confirmation from the Electoral Commission (EC) on the dates for these exercises.

    The Police have assured the public that adequate security has been provided to enable EC officials to carry out their duties without obstruction.

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of deliberately delaying the collation of election results in some constituencies in the Eastern Region.

    According to Afenyo-Markin, the NDC is aware they have lost parliamentary seats in the affected constituencies and are intentionally frustrating the process.

    https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=996863589138161&set=a.289408773216983

  • EC resumes collation process for Ablekuma North results

    EC resumes collation process for Ablekuma North results

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has resumed the collation process for the Ablekuma North constituency results at the Greater Accra Regional Collation Centre following a suspension earlier in the day.

    The decision comes amid heightened tensions, with National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters massing outside the premises, alleging attempts to subvert the electoral process.

    Inside the collation centre, a heated standoff erupted between representatives of the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), with both parties trading accusations of undermining the will of the electorate.

    Earlier, the collation was halted for the second time after results from 219 out of the 281 polling stations had been collated. The initial suspension took place on Monday, bringing the process to a standstill at its midpoint.

    Former NDC Deputy General Secretary Peter Otokunor told JoyNews that EC Chairperson Jean Mensa has intervened to ensure the continuation of the process, instructing officials to return to the collation room to finalize the figures.

    However, confusion continues to mar the process, as heated exchanges among party officials led to shattered louver blades at the centre. The Returning Officer and the NPP candidate are also yet to return to the collation room following the EC’s directive.

    Meanwhile, a large crowd of NDC supporters remains gathered outside the collation centre, demanding the immediate announcement of the final results. Security has been tightened around the venue to maintain order as the collation process resumes.

  • BREAKING: Mahama is 2024 president-elect – EC announces

    BREAKING: Mahama is 2024 president-elect – EC announces

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has declared the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, as president-elect at the end of the 2024 general elections, making him the first leader in the Fourth Republic to return to office after serving a term.

    On Saturday, December 7, millions of Ghanaians went to the polls to elect the country’s 8th President and representatives for the 9th Parliament, who will assume office on January 7, 2025.

    In a press briefing today, the Commission revealed that Mahama garnered 6,328,397 votes (56.55%) while Bawumia polled 4,657,304 (41.61%).

    “Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP obtained 4,657,304 being 41.61%, Daniel Augustus Lartey Jnr of the GCPP obtained 16,673 being (0.15%), Christian Kwabena Andrews of the Ghana Union Movement obtained 16,461 being (0.15%), Kofi Akpalu of the LPG obtained 5,219 being 0.09%, Mohammed Frimpong of the National Democratic Party obtained 4,413 being 0.04%.

    “Nana Akosua Frimpong of the CPP obtained 23,397 being (0.21%), Mr John Dramani Mahama of the NDC obtained 6,328,397 being 56.55%, Mr Hassan Ayariga of the APC obtained 17,461 being 0.16%, Mr Kwasi Koranteng independent candidate obtained 3,320 being 0.03%, Mr George Barima Adu independent candidate obtained 3,091 being 0.02%, Nana Kwame Bediako independent candidate obtained 84,478 being 0.75%, Mr Kojo Alan Kyerematen independent candidate obtained 31,202 being 0.28%,” the EC noted.

    Ahead of the official declaration of results by the Electoral Commission (EC), the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat in the presidential race.

    Addressing the media on Sunday, Dr. Bawumia revealed that the NPP’s internal collation of results showed a decisive victory for Mahama and the NDC, both at the presidential and parliamentary levels.

    “Ladies and gentlemen of the media, following yesterday’s presidential and parliamentary elections, Ghanaians at home and abroad have been sitting on tenterhooks awaiting the outcome. Let me say that data from our own internal collation of the election results indicates that former President H.E. John Dramani Mahama has won the presidential election decisively,” he said.

    He added, “The NDC has also won the parliamentary election, even though we await final coalition for a number of seats. However, I believe ultimately this will not change the overall outcome. I have just called H.E. John Dramani Mahama to congratulate him as the President-elect of the Republic of Ghana.”

    Dr. Bawumia emphasized his respect for the decision of the Ghanaian people and called for calm to ease growing tensions. “I will respect the decision of Ghanaians,” he stated.

    In a Facebook post following his victory, Mahama acknowledged his engagement with his main contender and expressed gratitude to Ghanaians, simply writing, “Thank you, Ghana.”

    Early projections indicate that the NDC has also secured a majority of the parliamentary seats.

    Dr. Bawumia extended his appreciation to the grassroots supporters of the NPP and pledged to support Mahama in fostering national development over the next four years.

  • EC to declare 2024 presidential results at 4:30pm

    EC to declare 2024 presidential results at 4:30pm

    Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman of Operations at Ghana’s Electoral Commission, has announced that the 2024 presidential results will be announced at 4:30pm today.

    As of now, the EC has collated results from 13 regions. He also entreated supporters of the political parties to desist from beseeching the national collation centre, stressing that it is “illegal and unwarranted.”

    “If you don’t have accreditation to the national collation centre, please don’t come to the national collation centre,” Mr Tettey said.

    Deputy Chairman of the EC in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey

    Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, per provisional results emerged victorious in the 2024 presidential elections, making history as the first leader in the Fourth Republic to return to office after serving a term.

    On Saturday, December 7, millions of Ghanaians went to the polls to elect the country’s 8th President and representatives for the 9th Parliament, who will assume office on January 7, 2025.

    Ahead of the official declaration of results by the Electoral Commission (EC), the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat in the presidential race.

    Addressing the media on Sunday, Dr. Bawumia revealed that the NPP’s internal collation of results showed a decisive victory for Mahama and the NDC, both at the presidential and parliamentary levels.

    “Ladies and gentlemen of the media, following yesterday’s presidential and parliamentary elections, Ghanaians at home and abroad have been sitting on tenterhooks awaiting the outcome. Let me say that data from our own internal collation of the election results indicates that former President H.E. John Dramani Mahama has won the presidential election decisively,” he said.

    He added, “The NDC has also won the parliamentary election, even though we await final coalition for a number of seats. However, I believe ultimately this will not change the overall outcome. I have just called H.E. John Dramani Mahama to congratulate him as the President-elect of the Republic of Ghana.”

    Dr. Bawumia emphasized his respect for the decision of the Ghanaian people and called for calm to ease growing tensions. “I will respect the decision of Ghanaians,” he stated.

    In a Facebook post following his victory, Mahama acknowledged his engagement with his main contender and expressed gratitude to Ghanaians, simply writing, “Thank you, Ghana.”

    Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission is expected to announce the final certified results soon. Early projections indicate that the NDC has also secured a majority of the parliamentary seats.

    Dr. Bawumia extended his appreciation to the grassroots supporters of the NPP and pledged to support Mahama in fostering national development over the next four years.

  • CODEO to provide Parallel Vote Tabulation after EC releases electoral results

    CODEO to provide Parallel Vote Tabulation after EC releases electoral results

    The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has assured Ghanaians that its Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) system will offer impartial verification of the Electoral Commission’s (EC) official results once they are declared.

    In a preliminary post-election briefing on Sunday, December 8, CODEO called on Ghanaians to remain patient and allow the EC to fulfill its constitutional mandate of officially declaring the December 7 general election results.

    “The PVT has already collected data from the 1,500 polling stations sampled nationwide, ensuring a reliable check on the final results. However, CODEO will only release its PVT estimate after the EC announces the official results,” the coalition stated, urging all Ghanaians to remain calm and uphold the nation’s democratic values.

    The appeal comes amid rising tensions and demands for greater transparency from the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    CODEO commended the EC for its credible management of the electoral process, particularly the organization of polling stations and the counting of ballots. The coalition revealed that its findings from a representative sample of 1,500 polling stations affirmed the transparency of the elections.

    It reported that 99% of political party agents and all presiding officers signed the parliamentary results declaration forms, bolstering confidence in the integrity of the process.

    CODEO also acknowledged the early concession by the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, describing it as a positive act of statesmanship.

    The organization further expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including the EC, the security services, the media, political parties, and the general public, for their peaceful participation in the elections.

    CODEO reiterated the importance of adhering to constitutional processes and maintaining patience as the EC prepares to announce the official results.

  • NDC warns returning officers against electoral malpractice

    NDC warns returning officers against electoral malpractice

    The Director of Elections for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has issued a stern warning to electoral officials, particularly returning officers, cautioning them against engaging in misconduct or malpractice during the 2024 elections.

    Dr Boamah stressed that any returning officer found culpable of breaching electoral rules will face legal prosecution.

    In a Facebook post on Monday, December 9, he highlighted the NDC’s firm resolve to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process, adding that the party is closely monitoring activities at collation centres to ensure strict adherence to electoral laws.

    “Returning officers must uphold the principles of fairness and transparency. Any deviation from these standards will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable under the law,” Dr Boamah stated.

    He further urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to strengthen its oversight mechanisms to prevent irregularities and ensure election results accurately reflect the will of the people.

    Dr Boamah concluded by calling on all stakeholders to collaborate to uphold peace and maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

  • Do not let your supporters ruin the beauty of the elections; call them to order – Ahiagbah to NDC

    Do not let your supporters ruin the beauty of the elections; call them to order – Ahiagbah to NDC

    NPP’s Communications Director, Richard Ahiagbah, has urged the NDC to control their supporters.

    In a post on X, Mr. Ahiagbah claimed that some NDC supporters are trying to interfere with the Electoral Commission’s work.

    He also accused them of attacking NPP MPs-elect who won in their constituencies.

    Mr. Ahiagbah assured the affected MPs-elect that the party stands ready to support and protect them against these actions.

    “The NDC must call its members, who are determined to overrun the Electoral Commission, to order, lest they mar the beauty of the 2024 general elections and their historic victory,” he stated.

    “To the NPP parliamentary candidates who are being unduly attacked, harassed, and intimidated by the overzealous NDC supporters, stand firm, knowing that you have the full backing of the party.”

    He added, “We are the New Patriotic Party, down but not out. We shall rise again. Kukrudu!!!”

  • NDC pledges to use their earned Parliamentary majority responsibly

    NDC pledges to use their earned Parliamentary majority responsibly

    National Democratic Congress (NDC) has promised to use its majority in Parliament, secured in the December 7 elections, responsibly for the benefit of the country.

    Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey said the party is committed to driving Ghana’s development and prosperity.

    Mr. Kwetey, a former MP for Ketu South, emphasised that the NDC is focused on serving the nation responsibly with the trust it has been given.

    He also called on the Electoral Commission (EC) and its Chairperson, Jean Mensa, to avoid unnecessary delays in announcing the election results.

    “We have secured a very significant majority and a majority that we aim to use responsibly and for the progress of the people of Ghana.

    “The process as far as the presidential result is also concerned, we will urge the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa and her team to make sure the declaration is not unduly delayed because we know for a fact that nothing can be done about it because it is already in the bag,” he said.

  • Let me warn you, we won’t take any attempt to alter parliamentary elections – NPP

    Let me warn you, we won’t take any attempt to alter parliamentary elections – NPP

    General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has cautioned against any efforts to alter with the parliamentary election results.

    Speaking at a press conference on Sunday evening, he urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to ensure peace and security at collation centers nationwide.

    Justin Kodua also accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of causing disturbances at collation centers in areas where he claimed the NPP had clearly emerged victorious.

    “Indeed, data that made our flag bearer concede this morning shows clearly that the NPP has won the constituencies I’ve mentioned. But the NDC, knowing very well that they have lost these seats to the NPP, are unwilling to accept their fate and are desperately seeking to compel the EC to do their bidding,” he stated.

    The NPP General Secretary condemned the acts of violence attributed to NDC supporters and stressed that his party would not tolerate any attempts to tamper with the election results.

    “We vehemently condemn these attacks and are serving notice that we shall resist every attempt to temper the results of the parliamentary elections in these constituencies,” he warned.

    Calling on the IGP to act swiftly, Mr Kodua reminded him of his promise to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.

    “Mr. IGP, you made a promise to political parties on two different occasions when we met you at your office, and your words were unambiguous—that you’ll see to it that we have free, fair, and transparent elections,” he said.

    He called on the IGP to ensure the safety of citizens at collation centres and to stop any attempts to intimidate people unlawfully.

    Mr. Kodua also asked the NDC leadership to control their supporters and publicly speak out against the violent incidents.

  • EC to declare presidential results with current data if outcome remains unchanged

    EC to declare presidential results with current data if outcome remains unchanged

    The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Adukwei Mensa, has announced that the Commission will proceed with declaring the 2024 presidential election results using current available data if delays in certain constituencies do not affect the overall outcome.

    Addressing concerns over delays, Jean Mensa disclosed the Commission’s approach to ensure timely declaration of results.

    “Where results from a constituency are delayed, and it is evident that it will not impact the outcome of the presidential election, we will proceed to declare the results.

    “This decision ensures we do not waste time unnecessarily while maintaining the integrity of the process,” she added.

    Speaking on Sunday, December 8, Jean Mensa attributed the delays to disruptions caused by attacks on EC officers and the destruction of election logistics. She appealed to political party supporters to refrain from interfering with the collation process.

    “Some supporters, in their anxiety and excitement, have besieged collation centres, obstructing our officers and, in some cases, destroying essential equipment,” she revealed.

    “This has significantly slowed down the collation process at various levels.”

    Jean Mensa explained that the collation process is intricate and involves multiple stakeholders, including party agents, observers, and the media, at every stage—from polling stations to the national collation centre.

    “Any disruption not only causes delays but also undermines the transparency of the process,” she said.

    The EC Chair stressed the need for a safe and orderly environment to ensure the collation process runs smoothly.

    “Our officers need unhindered access and a safe environment to work. We have communicated directly with the leadership of political parties to recall their supporters from these centres,” she stated, emphasizing the need for collaboration to maintain peace.

    Reassuring Ghanaians of the Commission’s commitment to fairness, Jean Mensa said:

    “We have walked the path of transparency and accountability throughout this electoral process. The results we declare will reflect the will of the people as captured at the polls.”

    Her comments come amid growing public frustration and rising tensions following reports of attacks at collation centres.

    She called on all citizens to exercise patience and allow the Commission to carry out its duties effectively.

    “Let us protect the peace and democracy that Ghana is known for,” she urged.

  • National Collation Centre yet to receive any electoral results – EC

    National Collation Centre yet to receive any electoral results – EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that as of 8:00 am on Sunday, December 8, 2024, no results have been received at the National Collation Centre. This was disclosed during a press briefing by the Director of Electoral Services, Mr. Benjamin Bano-Bioh.

    “For the information of the general public, as we speak, no results have been received at the National Collation Centre. And I repeat, no results have been received at the National Collation Centre,” Mr. Bano-Bioh stated.

    He explained that results are still being collated at the Regional Collation Centres, which is why the Commission has been unable to release any figures so far.

    The delay, according to the EC, is primarily due to disruptions caused by supporters of the two main political parties. Their leaders had encouraged them to converge on Constituency Collation Centres, creating tensions.

    “Unfortunately, the country witnessed overnight attacks on several Constituency Collation Centres, staff of the Commission, and destruction of election materials, including ballot boxes, ballot papers, and Biometric Verification Devices,” the Commission revealed.

    The EC reminded political parties that only two agents per candidate are permitted at both Constituency and Regional Collation Centres. It emphasized that gathering in large numbers at these centres and attacking election officials constitute a violation of the law.

    The Commission urged political parties and their leaders to allow its staff to carry out their duties without hindrance, adding that this cooperation is essential for the timely declaration of results.

    The EC further assured the public that as results are received region by region, they will be published promptly.

    Meanwhile, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has thrown in the towel in the 2024 presidential race.

    Speaking to the press on Sunday, he announced that he has called the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama to congratulate him on his victory.

    Dr. Bawumia disclosed that internal results from the NPP indicate that the NDC has secured both the presidential and the majority parliamentary seats.

    “Ladies and gentlemen of the media following yesterday’s presidential and parliamentary elections Ghanaians at home and abroad have sitting been sitting on tenterhooks awaiting the outcome of the elections, let me say that the data from our own internal collation of the election results indicate that former president HE John Dramani Mahama has won the presidential election decisively.

    “The NDC has also won the parliamentary election even though we await final collation for a number of seats however I believe ultimately that this will not change the over all outcome. I have just called his HE John Dramani Mahama to congratulate him as the president elect of the republic of Ghana,” he said.

  • EC calls on electorates to be patient over delay in declaration of results

    EC calls on electorates to be patient over delay in declaration of results

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has urged the general public to exercise patience as the results from the 2024 general elections continue to come in.

    In a statement, the Commission called on Ghanaians to follow its periodic announcements as results are progressively updated. “The Commission has promised to keep updating the public as has been done over the past 24 hours,” the statement read.

    The EC also addressed its staff, both permanent and temporary, particularly those working at the Constituency Collation Centres, urging them to stand firm and carry out their duties as expected.

    Additionally, the Commission emphasized the importance of cooperation between political party agents and EC staff to ensure smooth collation and transmission of results at the constituency and regional levels.

    In a final note, the EC reassured the public that the results collated at the Constituency and Regional Collation Centres, once transmitted to the National Collation Centre, would be accurately declared by the Returning Officer of the Presidential Election, Mrs. Jean Mensa, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Commission.

  • Leave centres for collation to take place – EC to NPP, NDC supporters

    Leave centres for collation to take place – EC to NPP, NDC supporters

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has called for the immediate withdrawal of supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) from various collation centres nationwide.

    Deputy Chairman of operations, Samuel Tettey, made the call in a press briefing today, Sunday.

    Hours after voting ended in the December 7 general elections, the collation of results has been delayed in several constituencies across the country, with widespread reports of chaos and logistical challenges.

    Despite polls officially closing at 5:00 PM, the Electoral Commission (EC) has yet to declare a single certified result, heightening anxiety among voters. Earlier, the EC announced that the collation process for both presidential and parliamentary results had commenced in all 276 constituency collation centres. However, the situation on the ground suggests otherwise.

    The delays are primarily due to disagreements over ballot transportation and confusion at collation centres. Party supporters have been forcing their way into restricted areas, disrupting the smooth flow of the collation process.

    The two major political parties have urged their supporters to converge at the collation centres to protect the ballots, Electoral Commission (EC) officials, and security personnel.

    The EC has repeatedly emphasized that access to collation centres is limited to accredited individuals, yet enforcement remains inconsistent in some constituencies.

    In certain areas, presiding officers have arrived with polling station results but are stuck in long queues awaiting validation. Reports indicate a slow pace, particularly in constituencies with large numbers of polling stations.

    The National Peace Council (NPC), together with the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) and other partners in the Election Situation Room, has urged political parties to withdraw their supporters from the election collation centres to ensure the smooth conduct of the collation process.

    The ongoing delays have sparked frustration among citizens who are eager for clarity on the election outcome. The EC has yet to provide a timeline for the completion of the collation process but has urged political parties and their supporters to remain patient and maintain order.

  • Constituency collation centres receive 60% of polling station results – EC

    Constituency collation centres receive 60% of polling station results – EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that approximately 60% of polling station results have been received at the 276 constituency collation centres across the country following Saturday’s elections.

    Briefing the media on the night of December 7, the EC’s Deputy Commissioner in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey, confirmed the significant progress in the collation process.

    “Reports from the regions indicate that about 60% of the polling station results have been received at the constituency coalition centres,” Mr. Tettey said.

    He also shared updates on requests for recounts at polling stations, revealing that only one polling station, in the Suaman Constituency of the Western North region, had recorded a second recount for votes at the constituency collation centre. This recount will be finalized by the returning officer.

    Mr. Tettey emphasized that collation centres are restricted areas accessible only to accredited individuals, with each presidential candidate allowed two agents per collation centre.

    “The EC Deputy Commissioner urged political parties to avoid overcrowding at these locations to ensure an orderly process,” he added.

    Commending the work of returning and collation officers, Mr. Tettey described their performance as “impressive,” encouraging them to continue upholding the highest standards of credibility and transparency.

    On security, he noted that law enforcement had maintained a stable and effective presence at the collation centres. While some centres faced overcrowding, the police successfully managed the situation to ensure order.

  • EC official hospitalized after collapsing at Essikado collation center

    EC official hospitalized after collapsing at Essikado collation center

    An Electoral Commission (EC) official at the Essikado collation center in the Western Region collapsed and was rushed to the hospital.

    A video posted by journalist Olele Salvador on X captured the moment the official, struggling to breathe, fell during the collation process.

    This immediately drew attention, and the individual was promptly given CPR before being taken for medical care.

    The EC has yet to provide an update on the condition of the official as tensions rise at the collation center.

    Meanwhile, counting and results declaration are ongoing after polling stations across the country closed at 5 p.m. The 2024 elections, held in 276 constituencies, were mostly peaceful.

    However, incidents of violence were reported, including a fatality in the Tolon Constituency in the Northern Region.

    The EC has appealed to Ghanaians and political parties for patience as they work towards delivering credible election results.

    Watch video of the incident below:

  • EC clarifies those who can access collation centres

    EC clarifies those who can access collation centres

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has clarified that only accredited individuals will be allowed entry into collation centres across the constituencies.

    This statement follows numerous reports of residents and party sympathizers attempting to force their way into these restricted areas.

    “Currently, a collation of both presidential and parliamentary results is underway in all the 276 constituency collation centres. The Commission wishes to inform the leadership of political parties and presidential candidates that the coalition centres are restricted areas,” the Commission stated.

    Constituencies such as Ablekuma West, Ablekuma Central, and Okaikoi North have experienced standoffs between groups, police, and electoral officials as attempts were made to observe the counting process.

    Speaking at a press conference, the Deputy Commissioner in charge of Operations at the EC, Samuel Tettey, emphasized that each candidate is permitted only two agents at the collation centres.

    “Only persons who have been accredited by the Electoral Commission can have access to the constituency coalition centres, and each candidate has two agents at each of the coalition centres. There is no need for the coalition centres to be overcrowded.”

    He further urged all stakeholders to adhere to electoral rules to prevent overcrowding and ensure a smooth collation process.

    Earlier, some ballot boxes and papers from the general elections were destroyed by unidentified men at the Ayawaso Central collation centre in Accra, causing chaos in the area.

    The incident took place at the ATTC School, where the collation of results was underway. Reports indicate that the group clashed with police officers, and EC officials were seen fleeing with ballot boxes to protect the materials.

    At one point, security personnel struggled to distinguish between accredited individuals and unaccredited residents, many of whom claimed they were present to assist in safeguarding the ballots.

  • 2 EC officials collapse at Okaikwei North

    2 EC officials collapse at Okaikwei North

    Two officials of the Electoral Commission (EC) at Okaikwei North in the Greater Accra Region fell unconscious.

    It is unknown the cause of this development. Some individuals attempted resuscitating the affected officials.

    They have been taken out of the collation centre to a health institution.

    https://twitter.com/Y979FM/status/1865504135832826126

  • Voter turnout has been massive – EC

    Voter turnout has been massive – EC

    Deputy Chairman of operations for the Electoral Commission, Samuel Tettey, says the voter turnout for the 2024 elections has been massive.

    However, the Commission was unable to provide statistics to back this report, citing lack of complete data from all polling stations.

    In October, the Electoral Commission (EC) expressed optimism about improving voter turnout in this year’s elections.

    While several polls have suggested potential voter apathy, Dr. Bossman Asare, the Deputy Chair of the Commission in Charge of Corporate Services, confidently stated at a Democracy and Governance Forum hosted by the West Africa Democracy Radio in Accra that the EC is determined to surpass the 79% turnout recorded in the 2020 elections.

    “As far as the Electoral Commission is concerned, we were ready for the elections yesterday,” Dr. Asare said. “We believe that with the measures we have put in place, Ghana is set for another successful general election.”

    He emphasised the importance of encouraging citizens to participate in the electoral process.

    “In 2020, we recorded a turnout of just over 79%. This year, we aim to exceed that. We expect every registered voter to go out and exercise their right to vote,” he added.

    However, the EC has noted that polls will be closed when the last electorate who was in the queue before 5pm cast his or her ballot.

  • Only 50% of voters have casted their ballot as at 2pm

    Only 50% of voters have casted their ballot as at 2pm

    The Electoral Commission (EC) reported that as of 2pm, about 50% of electorates over 18 million in number had cast their ballots.

    Stakeholders have lamented about the low voter turnout in this year’s elections.

    In October, the Electoral Commission (EC) expressed optimism about improving voter turnout in this year’s elections.

    While several polls have suggested potential voter apathy, Dr. Bossman Asare, the Deputy Chair of the Commission in Charge of Corporate Services, confidently stated at a Democracy and Governance Forum hosted by the West Africa Democracy Radio in Accra that the EC is determined to surpass the 79% turnout recorded in the 2020 elections.

    “As far as the Electoral Commission is concerned, we were ready for the elections yesterday,” Dr. Asare said. “We believe that with the measures we have put in place, Ghana is set for another successful general election.”

    He emphasised the importance of encouraging citizens to participate in the electoral process.

    “In 2020, we recorded a turnout of just over 79%. This year, we aim to exceed that. We expect every registered voter to go out and exercise their right to vote,” he added.

    However, the EC has noted that polls will be closed when the last electorate who was in the queue before 5pm cast his or her ballot.

  • PWDs, elderly praise EC for assistance in voting in Hohoe   

    PWDs, elderly praise EC for assistance in voting in Hohoe   

    Some elderly voters and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Hohoe Constituency have praised the Electoral Commission (EC) for prioritising their needs during the voting process.

    A 67-year-old PWD, Peter Dornyame, shared his experience with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) after casting his vote. He expressed satisfaction with the support he received at the St. Francis Demonstration Primary B Centre.

    Mr. Dornyame noted that despite misplacing his voter ID card, the EC officials assisted him through the process and ensured he was treated with care and respect.

    Mr. Agozi Jacob, a 65-year-old security officer, was the first to vote at the High Court polling station. He praised the arrangements at the centre, describing the process as smooth, and encouraged everyone to vote peacefully.

    The Biometric Voter Verification Devices (BVDs) at all polling centres visited were functioning effectively. Centres such as High Court Premises A, B, and C, New Magistrate Court A and B, and A.M.E. Zion, had working BVDs and all essential election materials, including indelible ink.

    Other polling stations visited included Volta Cinema Palace, St. Demonstration Junior High School A and B, and St. Francis Demonstration Primary A, B, and C.

    At St. Francis Demonstration Primary 2 Centre, Presiding Officer Madam Sika Norgbe told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that 50 out of 649 registered voters had cast their ballots by 8:51 a.m. At the St. Francis Demonstration Primary B Centre, 73 out of 408 expected voters had voted by 9:10 a.m.

    Voters interviewed expressed satisfaction with the voting process. Security personnel and party agents were present at all the polling stations visited. However, voters had to endure the midday sun due to a lack of shade at most centres.

    The Hohoe Constituency has 70,644 registered voters and 147 polling stations.

  • EC denies involvement in military deployment at certain polling stations

    EC denies involvement in military deployment at certain polling stations

    Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, has stated that the Commission has no role in deploying military personnel or managing election security.

    Her comments come after the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) announced plans to deploy military personnel to certain areas for election security.

    The GAF assured the public that no soldiers would be stationed directly at polling stations.

    Speaking to journalists during an update on December 7, Madam Mensa reiterated the EC’s non-involvement in security planning, stating, “In terms of security, we have no hand in it, and we do not make security arrangements.”

    The explanation is meant to clear up any confusion and help the public understand the separate responsibilities of the Electoral Commission and security agencies during elections.

  • EC says police has questioned it’s official for transporting election materials in private vehicle

    EC says police has questioned it’s official for transporting election materials in private vehicle

    Ghana Police Service has questioned an Electoral Commission official from the Afadjato South District for moving election materials in a private car.

    According to a statement from the Electoral Commission, the private car did not have a police escort, which goes against the rules for handling election materials.

    “The Electoral Commission wishes to inform the General Public that Officers of the Ghana Police Service yesterday questioned the Commission’s District Electoral Officer (DEO) of the Afadjato South in the Volta Region for transporting Election Materials in a private vehicle without Police escort.

    The Police subsequently took custody of the items,” the statement signed by the EC Deputy Chair in charge of Operations. Samuel Tettey read.

    The commission reminded its officials to follow the proper procedures for transporting election materials and promised to work with the police to investigate the issue further.

    “The policy of the Commission is for its officers to transport all Election Materials in official vehicles with police escorts where necessary. The Commission will conduct its own internal investigations while also cooperating with the police in their investigations,” the release read.

    EC also sought to allay fears that the materials might have been tempered with, telling the public the officer’s violation of its policy “will not in any way compromise the elections in the Afadjato South Constituency.”

  • Special Voting: EC announces high voter turnout nationwide

    Special Voting: EC announces high voter turnout nationwide

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has lauded the impressive voter turnout during the Special Voting exercise held on Monday, December 2, 2024.

    At a media briefing, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa revealed that voter turnout across constituencies was notably high, with the lowest recorded percentage being 83%, as reported by Citi Newsroom.

    Mensa also announced that 18,774,159 registered voters—representing 55% of Ghana’s total population—are expected to participate in the general elections on December 7.

    She assured the public that all necessary electoral materials and equipment had been adequately distributed nationwide, minimizing the likelihood of shortages.

    Addressing media engagement, she highlighted that close to 10,000 journalists have been accredited to cover the elections, granting them access to polling stations, as well as constituency and regional collation centers.

    Underscoring the media’s role in combating misinformation on Election Day, Mensa called on journalists to prioritize accuracy and truthfulness in their reporting to ensure the public is well-informed.

  • EC rents speed boats for smooth electoral material distribution in Afram Plains

    EC rents speed boats for smooth electoral material distribution in Afram Plains

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has introduced speed boats to facilitate the transportation of electoral materials to the dwarf islands and other hard-to-reach areas in the Afram Plains North and South constituencies.

    To further enhance efficiency, the EC has partnered with the Ghana Air Force to airlift electoral materials, ensuring a quicker collation of results in regions with limited road access and poor internet connectivity.

    During the 2020 elections, the EC encountered challenges with network connectivity, leading to delays in retrieving results from remote areas such as the dwarf islands.

    To prevent a recurrence, the Eastern Regional Director of the EC, John Appiah Baffour, assured in an interview with Citi News that robust measures have been put in place to expedite the process this year.

    “This time around, in Afram Plains South and North, we have made provisions so that we get the results early. What we have done is that we have hired speedboats to retrieve the results,” Baffour stated.

    He further disclosed, “The Ghana Army is also providing us with a chopper to airlift the materials and also bring them back. So we are hoping that this time around, everything will go on smoothly, and then we will get the results as early as possible to declare.”

    With these measures, the EC is confident of overcoming logistical and connectivity challenges, ensuring a smooth and timely electoral process in the affected areas.

  • Special voting in Western and Eastern Regions begins smoothly

    Special voting in Western and Eastern Regions begins smoothly

    Special voting is taking place today in the Western and Eastern Regions following a rescheduling by the Electoral Commission (EC) due to earlier concerns over ballot security.

    The exercise, which was initially slated for December 2, was postponed after a leakage of ballot papers was discovered. The EC promptly intervened by recalling and reprinting the compromised ballot papers to uphold the election’s integrity.

    Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, disclosed during a news briefing on December 1 that the decision was necessary to ensure transparency and credibility ahead of the 2024 General Election.

    The special voting exercise allows security personnel, media practitioners, and election officials to cast their ballots in advance, enabling them to carry out their duties on the general election day. This year’s process spans 328 centres nationwide, covering 131,478 voters, with 33 centres designated in the Eastern Region and 17 in the Western Region.

    Deputy EC Chairperson Dr. Bossman Asare, speaking on December 4, confirmed the Commission’s preparedness for the event. He assured that all materials had been dispatched to the respective centres and urged registered voters to participate.

    “All necessary preparations have been completed for a smooth process,” Dr. Asare stated. “We expect all special voters in these regions, regardless of their current location, to make it to their designated centres today.”

    He emphasized that today’s exercise is a one-time opportunity for registered special voters in the two regions, as no further provisions would be made for them to cast their votes after this date.

    With the EC’s measures in place, the special voting exercise is anticipated to proceed without further incidents, ensuring fairness and accountability.

  • It’s unlawful to influence voters with food – EC reacts to case against Lydia Alhassan

    It’s unlawful to influence voters with food – EC reacts to case against Lydia Alhassan

    The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has condemned acts of voter influence, emphasizing that it is unlawful to offer incentives such as food during elections.

    This follows a formal criminal complaint filed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon, John Dumelo, against the sitting Member of Parliament, Lydia Seyram Alhassan.

    Dumelo alleged that Alhassan distributed food packages to voters during the special voting exercise held on December 2 at the Legon Police Station polling center, claiming it undermines the integrity of the process.

    Responding to the incident, EC Deputy Chairperson Dr. Bossman Asare stated on Joy FM: “It is against the law to be influencing voters, such as giving food to people, etc. This is something the Commission will issue a statement on, but we must also gather the full evidence in terms of what actually transpired.”

    Captured on video, the footage shows Alhassan handing out food to individuals at the polling center. However, during an appearance on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show, she defended her actions, arguing that the gesture was one of compassion and not intended to sway votes.

    “The Electoral Commission is very clear on its commitment to a free and fair process,” Dr. Asare reiterated. “All stakeholders must adhere to the rules to uphold the credibility of the elections.”

    The incident has sparked debates about electoral ethics and compliance with Ghana’s electoral laws as the December 7 general elections draw closer.

  • Materials needed for special voting in Eastern, Western regions have been dispatched – EC

    Materials needed for special voting in Eastern, Western regions have been dispatched – EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has confirmed that all materials required for the special voting exercise in the Eastern and Western Regions have been successfully dispatched ahead of the scheduled exercise on Thursday.

    Speaking on Joy FM’s Midday News on Wednesday, Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairperson of the EC, expressed confidence in the Commission’s preparedness to ensure a smooth process.

    “The Electoral Commission is very much ready for the special voting tomorrow [Thursday]. All the materials that are required for the elections have been dispatched to the two regions, that is the Western Region and the Eastern Region. So we do expect that all those who are special voters in these two regions, regardless of where they are located now, will be able to make it to their special voting centres,” he stated.

    Dr. Asare revealed that there would be 33 voting centres in the Eastern Region and 17 in the Western Region. He urged all registered special voters to participate, emphasizing that those who fail to cast their votes on Thursday would not have the opportunity to do so during the general elections on December 7.

    Addressing concerns over election integrity, he assured that the EC has taken proactive measures to ensure fairness and transparency. He highlighted a recent decision to reprint ballot papers for the two regions following errors detected in the initial batch.

    “We had a meeting with the parties, and all of us are committed to the integrity of the process. The main conclusion from that meeting was about ensuring that the election will be very fair, free, transparent, and embedded in integrity. And that is what we did by taking the decision to reprint the ballot papers for the Eastern and Western Regions,” he explained.

    Dr. Asare also condemned reported electoral malpractices during Monday’s special voting, including allegations of voter inducement. He indicated that the EC is investigating the incidents and will issue a statement after gathering sufficient evidence.

    “It is against the law to be influencing voters, such as giving food to people, etc. This is something the Commission will issue a statement on, but we must also gather the full evidence in terms of what actually transpired,” he said.

  • Probe video of voters register in white pick-up truck – EC to Police

    Probe video of voters register in white pick-up truck – EC to Police

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has called on the Ghana Police Service to investigate a video circulating on social media that shows a supposed copy of the Voters Register for Ahafo Ano 1 and 2 being transported in a white pick-up truck.

    The Commission has discredited the video, describing it as misleading and calculated to undermine public trust in its work.

    In a statement issued on December 3, the EC clarified that the Voters Register shown in the video is not authentic.

    “The Voters Register shown in the video is not that of the EC. The Commission’s registers are black and white and not coloured as shown in the video,” the EC noted.

    https://twitter.com/_AlbertAkwesi/status/1863881924130820389

    The Commission emphasized that while it provides the final Voters Register to political parties, these parties are responsible for printing their own copies for their agents, which may explain the appearance of the document in question.

    “It is important to note that the Commission provides the Final Register to the Political Parties. As has been the practice, the Political Parties also print the Final Register for their Agents. Additionally, it is instructive to note that the truck in the video does not belong to the Commission,” the statement read.

    The EC urged the public to disregard the video, asserting that it was “calculated to create suspicion and mistrust for the Commission and its work.”

    The Commission also called on the Police to investigate the matter thoroughly, particularly focusing on the registration number of the pick-up truck visible in the video, which could provide a lead in the investigation.

    “We urge the Police to investigate this matter. The registration number of the pick-up truck, which is visible in the video, should be able to assist the Police in their investigations,” the EC added.

    The EC reassured the public of its commitment to upholding transparency and credibility in all electoral processes as the nation approaches the December 7 general elections.

  • Defective ballots for Eastern region destroyed

    Defective ballots for Eastern region destroyed

    The Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with the Eastern Regional Elections Security Taskforce, has supervised the destruction of over 3.6 million defective ballot papers originally intended for both the presidential and parliamentary elections in the Eastern Region.

    The exercise, carried out on Tuesday, December 3, was conducted under the strict supervision of constituency election directors from all political parties. These representatives monitored the process from the various armories where the ballots were stored to the regional dump site on the Akwadum road, where the papers were destroyed.

    The defective ballot papers led to the Electoral Commission (EC) suspending the Special Voting exercise for the Eastern and Western regions. With the exception of the Afram Plains North and South Constituencies, all 31 other constituencies in the Eastern Region presented their presidential and parliamentary ballots for destruction.

    Speaking to Citi News, Eastern Regional Director of the EC, John Appiah Baffour, expressed satisfaction with the process. “The exercise has been very successful. Actually, we brought all the parties together and the constituency executives of the NPP, NDC, and CPP, and all of them have been here. They checked the seals on the ballot paper bags, and they saw that everything was intact before we offloaded them and burned them. So it has been very successful,” he stated.

    The NDC Eastern Regional Secretary, Jamal Korneh, who engaged the media also noted that the process was well-executed despite initial disagreements.

    “We agreed that the ballot papers should be conveyed to the police station. When we got to the police headquarters today, they wanted to store them in the Zoomlion containers, but we disagreed with that. So, we brought everything here. So far, so good — we’ve been able to check all the seals, emptied all the bags, and proceeded with setting fire to the ballot papers that have been rejected by the EC,” he said.

    https://twitter.com/NatGTetteh/status/1863900941847523720

  • It’s difficult to fully trust Jean Mensa-led EC – Fifii Kwetey

    It’s difficult to fully trust Jean Mensa-led EC – Fifii Kwetey

    The General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has expressed difficulty in fully trusting the Electoral Commission (EC) under the leadership of Jean Mensa, despite acknowledging some improvements in its engagement with political parties.

    Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, December 2, Mr. Kwetey stated that the EC’s history of perceived bias and lack of transparency continues to create a “cloud of suspicion,” making it challenging for the NDC to place full trust in the Commission.

    “I’ve not said that they have refused to listen to our concerns,” Mr. Kwetey clarified. “I would like to say it this way: when you have created the kind of cloud of suspicion that has characterised your attitude ever since the Jean Mensa group took over—and that led to a major election—and what happened in that election, and subsequent to that election, the kind of intransigence that initially was the case… it’s difficult to fully trust.”

    Mr. Kwetey pointed to the contentious 2020 general elections as a significant reason behind the NDC’s skepticism. He recalled how initial resistance from the EC to address concerns was only alleviated after intervention from mediators like the Peace Council.

    “The Peace Council had to step in and basically hold that meeting where we then decided, ‘Listen, enough, let’s start having an IPAC [Inter-Party Advisory Committee] that will be able to bring the political parties to the table,’” he noted.

    While acknowledging that the EC has made some strides in openness, Kwetey emphasized that the Commission’s past decisions and appointments have left the NDC cautious.

    “Over the period, there has been some improvement, I must admit,” he said. “But if you look at the history, and again you look at the fact of the appointments that have been done, you naturally create an opportunity for people to always decide that I’m going to keep my eyes wide open.”

    The NDC General Secretary likened the party’s preparation for the 2024 elections to a legendary Ghanaian boxing match, stressing the importance of being vigilant and ready for any surprises.

    “We are approaching this with our eyes wide open, typically like Azumah [Nelson],” Kwetey said, referencing Ghana’s iconic boxing champion. “We are entering into this like a finish, Azumah finish round two, and telling ourselves we are going in, not expecting favours from the EC, not expecting favours from anybody, but we have to go in there with a decisive capacity to win.”

    He also highlighted the NDC’s focus on self-reliance and determination in the face of uncertainties.

    “We never know what it feels that [the EC] may decide to pull off in the final minute,” he warned. “So, let’s just say we’re going in prepared for anything.”

    Despite his criticisms, Kwetey concluded with a cautiously hopeful outlook, emphasizing that the NDC is not entering the process with blind trust but with a strong resolve. He urged the EC to prove its impartiality if it hopes to shed the cloud of suspicion hanging over it.

    “We’re not entering this process with blind trust, but with a strong resolve. The EC needs to ensure that it’s truly impartial if it wants to shed this cloud of suspicion,” he said.