Electoral Commission Assures Readiness for 2024 Elections Amid Ballot Shortage Concerns

With just days to Ghana’s 2024 general elections slated for December 7, the Electoral Commission (EC) has announced the completion of all election-related preparations, including training and material deployment. Speaking at a peace commitment ceremony in Accra, where all 12 presidential candidates pledged to maintain peace before, during, and after the polls, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering transparent and credible elections.

“On the part of the Commission, we commit to carrying out transparent, robust electoral processes and elections,” Mensa stated. “We will announce the will of the people that is expressed at the polls. We entreat all the presidential candidates to accept the outcomes of the results. I think we are ready. All our materials are on the field, our training is taking place.”

Despite the assurances, the EC faces logistical challenges, including a reported shortage of presidential and parliamentary ballot papers in five constituencies in the Volta Region. The affected areas—Keta, Ketu North, Ho Central, Hohoe, and Ho West—have raised concerns among stakeholders about the smooth conduct of the elections.

The Commission has acted swiftly, announcing plans to print additional ballot papers to address the shortfall. In an official letter to representatives of all presidential candidates, the EC outlined that the printing would take place at Acts Commercials Printing House in Accra. This step is intended to ensure the ballots are ready well ahead of election day, preventing any disruption to the voting process.

To maintain transparency and foster trust, the EC has invited political parties and independent presidential candidates to send two representatives each to observe the printing process. The observation is scheduled for Friday morning, ensuring accountability in the production of the additional ballots.

Samuel Tettey, the EC’s Deputy Chair of Operations, reassured the public that these measures will uphold the integrity of the electoral process. “We are taking all necessary steps to guarantee a free, fair, and credible election,” Tettey stated.

The peace ceremony in Accra, attended by all presidential candidates, underscored the importance of national unity during the election period. The candidates committed to respecting the electoral process and the results announced by the Commission, a move hailed by observers as a step toward fostering political stability.

As Ghana prepares to go to the polls, the EC's proactive measures to resolve logistical challenges, coupled with its emphasis on transparency, aim to bolster confidence in the electoral system and ensure a peaceful, credible election.