Election 2024: NDC questions EC’s preparedness, cites ballot printing challenges

Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has raised serious concerns over what he describes as the Electoral Commission’s (EC) “ill-preparation” for the upcoming elections.

In a recent statement posted on his Facebook wall dated November 2 , Dr. Boamah highlighted numerous issues plaguing the ballot printing process, questioning the EC’s capacity to manage critical election logistics without errors.

Dr. Boamah singled out Innolink Printing Company, calling on the organization to recall its involvement in the 2020 elections when excess ballot papers were reportedly discovered within its printing facilities.

This, he said, remains a troubling reminder of the potential for printing mishaps and raises concerns for the current election cycle.

According to Dr. Boamah, other ballot printing companies contracted by the EC have encountered significant challenges, affecting the election timeline and raising doubts about the overall process.

Key points raised include:
YASARKO’s Contract Cancellation: YASARKO Printing struggled to fulfil its ballot printing contract, leading the EC to cancel its agreement following alerts raised by the NDC.

Checkpoint Printing’s Struggles: Checkpoint Printing Company has reportedly failed to complete its assigned lots, including ballots for the Central Region, delaying their delivery.

FONSTAT’s Serial Number Issues: FONSTAT Printing Company is reported to have mishandled serial numbers on ballots for one of the regions, causing additional complications in the process.

Ghana Publishing’s Equipment Failure: Ghana Publishing Company’s machinery broke down during a night shift on Sunday, October 27, further disrupting the printing process.

These incidents, Dr. Boamah argues, call into question the EC’s readiness for the December polls.

“Is the Electoral Commission really prepared for this election?

What can the Commission do right without hitches?” he asked in his statement, suggesting that the recent setbacks indicate a troubling pattern of inefficiency.

He said the NDC has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency through its #EAGLEEYES project, vowing to monitor the electoral process until its candidate, John Dramani Mahama, secures victory.

-Classfmonline