By Ashiadey Dotse
With just nine days to go before Ghana’s pivotal 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections, Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy Chair of the Electoral Commission (EC), has assured the public of the Commission’s readiness. He emphasized that over 95% of the materials required for the election have already been distributed to district and constituency levels.
Speaking on GTV’s breakfast show today, November 28, 2024, with Kafui Dey, Dr. Asare outlined the diligent planning involved in ensuring a smooth voting process for all 40,648 polling stations nationwide. Sensitive materials, such as ballot papers, will be transported under strict security protocols closer to the election date to ensure their integrity.
“The Electoral Commission has worked tirelessly to ensure every polling station is equipped and ready by 7:00 AM on December 7,” he said. Dr. Asare also noted that polling stations with voter populations exceeding 750 have been split into two to reduce long queues and ensure efficient voting.
This year’s voter register reflects an increase, with over 19 million Ghanaians expected to cast their ballots. The EC has printed additional ballots to accommodate all registered voters, factoring in potential contingencies.
On election day, priority will be given to vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The EC has also coordinated closely with the Election Security Task Force to maintain a safe and peaceful environment at polling stations.
Dr. Asare reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency and fairness, explaining that results will be collated and declared at the constituency and regional levels before final announcements are made at the National Collation Centre. The EC aims to declare results within 72 hours after polls close, a target that underscores its confidence in the efficiency of the process.
To address potential overcrowding and ensure accurate reporting, the EC has limited media representation at constituency collation centers to eight outlets. This decision, aimed at maintaining order, has sparked discussions among media stakeholders, with the EC engaging them for further consultations.
Ghanaians are urged to exercise their democratic rights peacefully and responsibly. “This is our ninth general election, and Ghana has a strong reputation for conducting credible elections,” Dr. Asare said. “Let us uphold that legacy and celebrate the process, regardless of the outcome.”
As the nation counts down to December 7, all eyes will be on the EC to deliver yet another successful election, reinforcing Ghana’s position as a beacon of democracy in Africa.
