The recent controversy surrounding the printing of ballot papers for the Ahafo and Volta regions has sparked a debate between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Electoral Commission (EC) in Ghana. The NDC has expressed surprise at the EC’s decision to reprint the ballot papers, citing that they were not made aware of any issues with serialisation before the EC’s announcement.
According to a statement from the EC, the challenges with serialisation were brought to their attention by their team stationed at the printing house. The Audit Department of the Commission also confirmed these issues. The EC further stated that no political party, including the NDC, formally or informally notified them about the problems with serialisation, despite their agents being present during the printing process.
The decision to reprint the ballot papers for the Ahafo and Volta regions was based solely on the reports from the EC team at the printing house and verified by the Audit Department. The EC emphasized that the decision was made independently of any external influence.
Moving forward, the EC has announced plans to destroy the faulty ballot papers for the Ahafo and Volta regions. This decision comes in light of the need to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that all ballots are accurate and valid.
The EC has reassured the public that they are committed to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections in Ghana. They have urged all political parties to work together to address any challenges that may arise during the electoral process and to prioritize the democratic principles that underpin Ghana’s electoral system.
As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, it is crucial for all stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process. It is imperative that all parties work together to address any issues that may arise and to prioritize the democratic values that are essential for a thriving democracy.
