The government’s spokesperson on governance and security, Dr. Palgrove Boakye-Danquah, has called for a thorough investigation into the serialization error found on the ballot papers for the Volta and Ahafo regions.
He emphasized that the printing of ballot papers should be treated with the same level of security as examination papers, urging printing firms to ensure stringent measures are in place to prevent such errors.
Dr. Boakye-Danquah stressed that safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process requires the highest standards of care and accuracy in printing.
“My view is that this shouldn’t have happened. The printing houses shouldn’t have made a mistake with this serialization. The fact that they made an error with the serialization and then proceeded to submit the ballot papers to the Electoral Commission for deployment is unacceptable.
“I am glad the EC has destroyed those papers, but we should conduct a more thorough investigation into these issues”.
Dr. Palgrove Boakye-Danquah
He further criticized the printing firm for its lack of diligence, pointing out that if there was a serialization issue, it should have been addressed and corrected before the ballot papers were submitted to the Electoral Commission.
Dr. Boakye-Danquah expressed concern that such errors could undermine the credibility of the election process.
He stressed that printing firms must take greater responsibility in ensuring the accuracy and security of all election materials prior to their delivery. “It shouldn’t have happened, but I am glad it has been addressed”.
However, he emphasized that a thorough investigation is necessary to prevent similar mistakes in future elections.
Dr. Boakye-Danquah then urged for a peaceful and orderly election process ahead of the December 7 exercise.
He reiterated that Ghanaians are seeking a peaceful election, one in which the people can confidently make a well-informed choice in selecting an ethical and innovative leader.
In light of this, he called for strong support for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, believing that his leadership would embody these qualities and lead the nation toward a prosperous future.
EC Assures Public of Credible Election Amid Serialization Controversy
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission reassured the public of its commitment to conducting a credible election, despite the controversy surrounding the ballot serialization issue and the subsequent burning of the affected papers.
Dr. Bossman Asare, the Deputy Commissioner in charge of corporate services at the Electoral Commission, sought to allay concerns about the integrity of the election results.
He addressed fears that commission officials, who are often perceived to be politically influenced, might tamper with the process.
“Even if you are a flagbearer, and you are appointed chair there is nothing you can do.
“All the electoral processes, we go through them with the parties, the parties are expected, by law to bring their agents to the polling centers. During the compilation of the register, all the parties were required to send their agents there”.
Dr. Bossman Asare
Dr. Asare emphasized that, due to the robust structures in place at the Commission and the integrity of the electoral system, there is no opportunity for any interference with the election process.
He reinforced that transparency and fairness are central to the Commission’s operations, ensuring the public that the election will proceed without manipulation.
He further assured that the counting of the ballots is conducted in full view of the media and the public, leaving no room for anyone to influence the outcome of the election.
He emphasized that the transparency of the process is well known to all political parties, reinforcing the integrity of the election results.
Despite these reassurances, the opposition NDC expressed skepticism, alleging that the Electoral Commission and the ruling NPP are conspiring to manipulate the election.
The NDC’s concerns reflect ongoing doubts about the fairness of the process, even in the face of the EC’s commitment to transparency.
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