In a meeting held today with election stakeholders, the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana, in collaboration with security agencies, provided an update on preparations for the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 7.
The EC Chairperson Jean Mensah stated that the Electoral Commission is fully set and ready to conduct the special voting on December 2.
Special voting is a provision for a specific group of registered voters, including Journalists and security agencies allowing them to cast their votes before the general voting day.
Along with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akufo Dampaare, emphasized the progress made in ensuring a smooth and credible electoral process.
The EC Chairperson reported significant progress in the dissemination of ballot papers across the country. She noted;
“All the ballots, with the exception of the Northern Region, the Bono Region, and Bono East, have been disseminated to our police armories across the country. I am well aware that the ballot papers for Northern Region, the Bono, and Bono East Region will be disseminated to the police armories this afternoon.”
Jean Mensah Chairperson of the Electoral Commission
She expressed gratitude to the police and military for their involvement in safeguarding the process, both during the printing and transportation of the ballot papers.
According to the EC, in each of our printing houses, there are not only political party agents but also members of the police service and army service accompanying and observing the process.
In addition to ballot papers, the EC has made significant strides in the preparation and deployment of Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs).
According to the Chairperson, over eight regions have already received their BVDs, with plans to complete the distribution by the weekend. She clarified;
“Our biometric verification devices are also being prepared, and we are confident that by this weekend, all the biometric devices will be safely lodged in the police armories across the country.”
Jean Mensah Chairperson of the Electoral Commission
She emphasized the security measures in place to ensure the devices remain protected.
Recruitment and Training of Election Officials
She brought to light the personnel that are currently undergoing rigorous training across all constituencies to ensure smooth elections. She noted;
“We have recruited close to 210,000 temporary officials across various categories from returning officers to deputy returning officers, presiding officers, and polling assistants in all the 40,900-plus polling stations across the country. And as we speak, they are undergoing extensive training in all constituencies.”
Jean Mensah Chairperson of the Electoral Commission
The IGP, addressing the meeting, assured the EC and Ghanaians of the security agencies’ readiness to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process.
He highlighted the collaborative work done with the EC and expressed confidence in the preparations.
“For the benefit of the public and the generality of Ghanaians, we want to also assure them that in fact, we are over ready. As the security agencies in support of the excellent job that you are doing. We will do all that it takes to ensure that this country continues to be at peace with herself.”
We will protect every Ghanaian, every stakeholder in this election, and more importantly, we will protect you and your staff as you go about [your] constitutional duty of ensuring the election is executed to the benefit of Ghanaians.”
Dr. George Akufo Dampaare Inspector General of Police (IGP)
The meeting also served as a debriefing session, with updates on the status of logistics for the elections.
According to the IGP, With the ballot papers, they are 95% done. And with the BVDs, they are almost 50% done. They are confident that within the next couple of days, all logistics will be in place where they matter most.
The two teams from both the EC and the security agencies are set to convene. He emphasized;
“Our technical team will meet your technical team, and we’ll look at it also from that angle. That has been very successful from where we sit. Once again, the commendation goes to you and your team. We are always going to be there in support of the good job you are doing.’’
Dr. George Akufo Dampaare Inspector General of Police (IGP)
The Electoral Commission’s update highlights the progress made in preparing for the upcoming elections, with a clear focus on logistics, security, and personnel training.
The collaboration between the EC and security agencies underscores their commitment to delivering a credible and peaceful election.
Both the EC and security agencies reiterated their readiness to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, reassuring Ghanaians of a smooth and secure election.
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