Ballot Paper Shortages Not Unique to Volta Region - EC clarifies
Ghana's Electoral Commission (EC) has moved to address concerns over ballot paper shortages, emphasizing that the issue is not unique to the Volta and Bono Regions. This clarification comes amid reports suggesting that these two regions were the only ones affected.
Speaking at an emergency meeting of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) on November 29, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bossman Asare revealed that other regions, including Greater Accra, Western North, Upper West, Western, and Bono East, are also grappling with ballot paper shortages. The EC has been transparent in its communication, dispatching letters to political parties on November 22 and 28 to update them on the situation.
Dr. Asare questioned the rationale behind the uproar over the Volta Region's shortages, emphasizing that the EC's decision to reprint ballots demonstrates its commitment to transparency and accountability.
He urged the public and political parties to disregard misinformation and maintain confidence in the electoral process.
“The shortfalls occurred in Greater Accra, Western North, Upper West, Western and Bono East Regions. The Volta and Bono regions were no exceptions. As in the case of the Volta Region, the political parties were informed in writing and the reprint was done to cover the shortfalls in those five regions.
“Why the noise about the shortfalls of only the Volta region, if the Commission has anything to hide, will it transparently call for a reprint of the ballots to make up for the shortfalls?
“The Commission urges the general public, especially political parties to disregard mischief by persons whose only objective is to malign the commission and sow a seed of mistrust and doubts. The memo in circulation demonstrates the commission’s resolve to operate in a transparent and accountable manner.
“We entreat the general public and political parties to read memos carefully by the EC which may find their way on social media so as not to be swayed by persons whose sole agenda is to cause fear and panic and tarnish the image of the Commission ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections,'' he added.
In a related development, the EC has faced criticism over the ballot paper shortages, with some accusing the Commission of attempting to disenfranchise voters in opposition strongholds.
However, the EC maintains that it is working to ensure a free and fair electoral process.
Source: Florence Kyei / Lead News Online
