The Electoral Commission (EC) has categorically denied false claims made during a broadcast on Wontumi TV, which suggested that different voting dates would apply to specific presidential candidates in the upcoming general elections. The Commission has urged the public to ignore this misinformation and reaffirmed that the 2024 General Election will be held on Saturday, 7th December 2024.
In a statement released on Sunday, 24th November, the EC reiterated:
“Voters should remember that voting on the 7th of December, 2024, will commence from 7 am until 5 pm. The Commission encourages voters to come out in large numbers and cast their votes in an orderly manner.”
The EC also urged the public to respect the electoral process, reminding them of its slogan: “Election 2024 – your vote, your future.”
In a related development, the Ghana Police Service has apprehended Oheneba Nana Asiedu, a radio and television presenter based in Kumasi with Wontumi FM and TV, on charges of disseminating false news. His arrest, which took place on Saturday, 23rd November 2024, was based on violations of Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
According to a police statement:
“The suspect is currently in Police custody, and the case will be brought before the court for him to face the law.”
The arrest came after the presenter was summoned to aid in investigations into a video circulating on social media. In the video, he purportedly encouraged the public to vote for presidential candidates on different dates, a claim the Police deemed false and likely to disrupt public peace.
The suspect has been instructed to report to the Ashanti Regional Police Command for further questioning.
The Police have advised the public, particularly media practitioners, to exercise caution when sharing information. They emphasized:
“We implore the public, especially media practitioners, to be extremely cautious and responsible, and refrain from spreading false news that could potentially disrupt public peace before, during, and after the upcoming general elections.”
As the election date approaches, both the EC and the Police have stressed the significance of accurate information for maintaining public order and ensuring a smooth electoral process.
