Ballot Shortages and Renewed Violence: A Threat to Democracy in NDC Strongholds

As Ghana approaches the December 7 elections, two alarming developments have deeply shaken our confidence as National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters and representatives of our branch: ballot paper shortages in the Volta Region, our party’s undeniable stronghold, and renewed violence in Bawku, another bastion of NDC support. These events are not just administrative hiccups or isolated conflicts - they are glaring threats to the democratic process. Both events raise critical questions about the preparedness and impartiality of the institutions responsible for ensuring free and fair elections.

Ballot Paper Shortages in the Volta Region: Sabotage or Negligence?

The Electoral Commission (EC) has admitted that five constituencies in the Volta Region - Keta, Ketu North, Ho Central, Hohoe, and Ho West - are experiencing shortages of ballot papers. For an institution tasked with organising national elections, this is a monumental failure, and for those of us in the NDC, it feels deliberate. How can such a basic yet critical aspect of election planning go wrong in the heart of our party’s support base?

It is hard to dismiss this as mere incompetence. The Volta Region has long been the bedrock of NDC’s electoral strength, and any interference here is bound to raise red flags. The EC’s promise to print new ballots comes too little, too late. These delays disrupt the process, fuel distrust, and give the impression of a calculated attempt to suppress votes in our stronghold. Many of us cannot help but wonder: is this a coincidence, or is it part of a grander scheme to weaken the NDC’s chances?

The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) must answer questions too. Why does it seem that every challenge in this election cycle disproportionately affects NDC strongholds? From voter roll disputes to ballot paper shortages, these so-called “mistakes” keep adding up. If the NPP has no hand in this, it should join us in demanding accountability from the EC. Anything less is complicit in eroding public trust in our democracy.

Renewed Violence in Bawku: Another Attack on NDC Territory

At the same time, renewed violence in Bawku has erupted, threatening voter participation in the Upper East Region, another area of strong NDC support. The Kusasi-Mamprusi chieftaincy conflict has flared up yet again, leaving death and destruction in its wake. While this may not seem directly connected to the elections, the timing is suspect. Why now? Why in an area that is vital to our party’s fortunes?

The government’s inability - or unwillingness - to prevent this violence is troubling. Security forces should have been proactive in quelling these tensions long before they escalated. Instead, the violence has displaced voters, created fear, and disrupted daily life. It’s hard not to draw parallels between the chaos in Bawku and the ballot shortages in the Volta Region. In both cases, NDC strongholds are being targeted, whether by negligence or design.

The Bigger Picture: Undermining NDC and Democracy

As NDC supporters, we find it impossible to view these issues as random. They are part of a broader pattern that seeks to undermine our party and disenfranchise its supporters. These so-called “mistakes” by the EC, coupled with the government’s failure to maintain peace in key NDC areas, are clear attempts to tilt the playing field in favour of the NPP.

The implications are grave. If voters in Volta and Bawku feel disenfranchised or unsafe, the legitimacy of this election will be in doubt. For those of us in the NDC, this is not just about winning or losing – it is about defending the democracy we have fought so hard to build. If the EC and the government cannot guarantee a level playing field, what hope do we have for a fair election?

A Call to Action
We urge our leadership to remain vigilant and resolute. We cannot let these challenges go unchallenged. The EC must explain how such critical errors occurred and take immediate steps to prevent further disruptions. The government must deploy all necessary resources to restore peace in Bawku and ensure safe voting conditions. Above all, we must mobilise, organise, and show that no amount of sabotage can dampen the NDC spirit.

To every NDC supporter, now is the time to stand firm. Let us make it clear that our votes, our voices, and our values cannot be silenced. The NPP and its allies in the EC may try to tilt the scales, but we will not allow them to derail our march toward victory. This election is not just a contest - it is a battle for the soul of our democracy. Let us rise to the occasion and defend it with all our might.

Dr Moses Deyegbe Kuvoame | Secretary, NDC Norway

Isaka| Chairman, NDC Norway