EC Declares Rumours of Printing Excess Ballot Papers as False

The Electoral Commission of Ghana has rubbished rumors that it is printing excess ballot papers in respect of the 2024 general elections. EC operations deputy chairman Samuel Tettey, who addressed the issue to restore confidence in the process, spoke last Saturday, November 3, at the launch of the National Peace Campaign.

Mr. Tettey said the EC was committed to a transparent and accountable electoral process and explained the measures put in place to ensure close monitoring of every aspect. He said representatives of the various political parties, as well as personnel from the security agencies, are put at printing houses to observe the printing and handling of ballot papers as part of multi-layered oversight measures that have become standard to foster confidence in the processes leading to the next elections.

"The allegation of the ballot printing, as it is now in the public domain, is not true. We would want to assure the people of Ghana that the processes are so inclusive, so participatory, open, and transparent. As we speak now, all political parties have their agents at the printing houses," said Mr. Tettey.

He explained further that surplus copies are destroyed in the presence of political party agents, further supported by signed certificates to ensure that no such unauthorized materials find their way into circulation. The comments by the Deputy Chairman were meant to allay fears and consolidate confidence in the operations of the EC.

Mr. Tettey further appealed to the political representatives and parties to be circumspect in their utterances in public to avoid misinformation that would erode public confidence. The EC is, therefore, undaunted in the quest to ensure that the will of the people is guaranteed through peaceful, transparently credible processes.