2024 election: All excess ballots printed are shredded in the presence of party agents – EC

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has reassured the public of its commitment to a fair and transparent election process ahead of the 2024 general elections, addressing recent allegations of ballot manipulation.

Rumours circulated last week, claiming that the EC was printing excess ballots in a supposed attempt to favour the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the December 7 polls. However, the EC has firmly dismissed these accusations.

During the launch of the National Peace Campaign on Sunday, November 3, Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman of Operations for the EC, stressed that there is no intention to support any political party in the upcoming elections.

He emphasised the EC’s dedication to transparency and noted that all excess ballots printed are destroyed in the presence of political party representatives.

"The allegation of ballot printing, which is currently in the public domain, is not true. We would like to assure the people of Ghana that the process is inclusive, participatory, open, and transparent.

"As we speak, all political parties have their agents at the printing houses. We also have the police present, monitoring the process as has been the practice. All excess ballots printed are shredded in the presence of party agents, and a certificate is signed to confirm this," he explained.

This assurance comes as the EC continues to work closely with political party representatives, law enforcement officers, and independent observers to ensure that election processes are transparent and credible.

Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reiterated his commitment to maintaining peace before, during, and after the election.

Speaking on the importance of a peaceful transition, he assured Ghanaians that he is prepared to hand over power to whoever wins the mandate of the people on December 7.