In a move that highlights its dedication to fairness and professionalism, Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) has announced the reprinting of ballot papers for the Ahafo and Volta Regions. This decision, made on 15th November 2024, follows an internal audit that identified issues with the serialisation process during the initial printing.
Why Were the Ballot Papers Reprinted?
The Electoral Commission discovered that while the printing of the ballots went smoothly, the automated system responsible for assigning serial numbers experienced gaps in its sequence. This led the printing house to adopt a manual serialisation method to fill those gaps.
However, upon further scrutiny, the Commission found the manual approach unreliable and not foolproof. With the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process at stake, the EC made the bold decision to reprint the affected ballot papers. This ensures that every ballot issued is accurate and meets the highest standards of professionalism.
How Is the Reprinting Being Managed?
The reprinting of the ballot papers will be handled by two trusted printing companies: Buck Press for the Ahafo Region and Acts Commercials for the Volta Region. Meanwhile, the affected ballots will be shredded and incinerated under the watchful eyes of political party representatives. As an added layer of transparency, a formal destruction certificate will be issued and signed by all parties involved.
This proactive approach shows that the Electoral Commission prioritizes integrity over convenience, ensuring the electoral process remains free from errors or discrepancies. Elections are the cornerstone of democracy, and even the smallest error can have significant consequences. By identifying and addressing the issue early, the EC has reaffirmed its role as a guardian of Ghana’s democracy. This decision demonstrates the Commission’s dedication to transparency and accountability—values that are essential for building trust with voters and stakeholders.
Source: ec.gov.gh
