The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has recently made a concerning announcement regarding the destruction of electoral materials. In a statement released on Sunday, November 17, the Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey, revealed that a quantity of electoral materials had been burned on Saturday, November 16, 2024. The destruction process was conducted under strict supervision, with the presence of representatives from various political parties, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), National Security, and personnel from the Ghana Police Service.
The EC went on to confirm that it would be accounting for all the printed ballot papers for the Ahafo and Volta regions on Sunday, November 17, 2024, and subsequently destroying them. The reason cited for this action was challenges with the serial numbers on the ballot papers. The Commission stated, “The Commission will today, Sunday the 17th of November 2024, account for all the ballot papers printed for both regions, which will be burnt subsequently due to challenges with the serial numbers. The Commission will inform the political parties and other stakeholders in due course to enable them to observe the destruction of these ballot papers.”
To provide transparency and proof of the destruction of the electoral materials, the EC released a statement along with an image depicting the confirmation of the destruction of excess ballot papers and printing plates for the Ahafo and Volta regions.
This development raises concerns about the integrity and security of the electoral process in Ghana. The EC’s efforts to address issues with the serial numbers on the ballot papers demonstrate a commitment to upholding fair and transparent elections. Stakeholders, including political parties and the public, will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the electoral process remains credible.
For more updates on this issue and other election-related news, stay tuned for further announcements from the Electoral Commission of Ghana.
