Take swift, decisive action to address issues before December 7

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to urgently resolve challenges identified during the special voting exercise ahead of the December 7 general elections.

In a statement released by the party’s Ashanti Regional Secretary, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the NDC raised concerns about the use of ineffective indelible ink, delays in delivering election materials, and breaches in security protocols for biometric devices.

The special voting exercise, which took place across all 47 constituencies in the Ashanti Region, according to the NDC, saw a turnout of 17,337 out of 20,378 registered voters, representing 85% — a slight dip from the 88.6% recorded in 2020.

The NDC acknowledged the generally smooth nature of the process but emphasized the need for immediate corrective measures.

One of the key concerns highlighted was the ineffectiveness of the indelible ink used during the voting.

According to the NDC, the ink could easily be cleaned off, compromising the integrity of the process.

“We urge the Electoral Commission (EC) to address this by ensuring proper indelible ink is used for the general elections on December 7, 2024,” the statement said.

The party also reported delays in the Offinso North Constituency, where the late arrival of the voters’ register disrupted the voting process.

Also, in Kwadaso, the EC Director reportedly kept Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) in her office instead of storing them in the district police armory as directed by the EC headquarters.

“This deviation undermines security protocols,” the NDC stated, adding that complaints had been lodged with the EC and the Sofoline Police to investigate the breach.

Read the full statement below:
NDC ASHANTI REGION
_SPECIAL VOTING & MATTERS ARISING_
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) congratulates all participants in today’s special voting exercise, for *VOTING FOR CHANGE*

We remain optimistic that on December 7, 2024, Ghanaians will usher in H.E. John Mahama as the next President of Ghana.

The special voting, conducted across all 47 constituencies in the Ashanti Region, saw a turnout of 17,337 out of 20,378 registered voters, representing 85%. While this is lower than the 88.6% recorded during the 2020 special voting, the exercise was largely smooth.

However, the following issues require urgent attention:

1. Indelible Ink Concerns
The indelible ink used during the voting proved ineffective, as it could be cleaned easily. This poses a threat to the credibility of the process. We urge the Electoral Commission (EC) to address this by ensuring proper indelible ink is used for the general elections on December 7, 2024.

2. Delays at Offinso North Constituency
Voting in Offinso North was delayed due to the late arrival of the voters register, causing unnecessary frustration. The EC must ensure timely delivery of all election materials to prevent such disruptions.

3. Mismanagement of BVD Machines in Kwadaso
The Kwadaso EC Director kept the Biometric Verification Devices (BVD) in her office, contrary to a directive from the EC headquarters to store them at district police armories. This deviation undermines security protocols. The NDC has lodged complaints with the EC and Sofoline Police to investigate this breach and ensure accountability.

We call on the Electoral Commission to take swift and decisive action to address these issues before the general elections.

The NDC is committed to a free, fair, and transparent electoral process and will hold the EC accountable to the highest standards of integrity.

Dr. Frank Amoakohene
Ashanti Regional Secretary