More than eight hours after the close of polls in Ghana’s December 7 general elections, the collation of results has yet to commence in several constituencies across the country.
This unprecedented delay has left the nation on edge, with no single certified result declared by the Electoral Commission (EC). Citizens, political parties, and observers alike are expressing growing anxiety over the situation.
The Electoral Commission had earlier assured the public that the collation of both presidential and parliamentary results was underway at all 276 constituency collation centers. However, the reality on the ground suggests significant challenges, fueling concerns about the credibility of the electoral process.
Alfred Ogbamey, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), in a statement, accused the Jean Mensa-led EC of deliberate inaction, alleging attempts to manipulate results.
“The Jean Mensah-led Electoral Commission (EC) is failing or refusing to announce some constituency results while some of its officers seek to undermine the just-ended electoral process by trying to change results on pink sheets”.
Alfred Ogbamey, a Member of the NDC
He further alleged that efforts were underway to smuggle in fresh ballot boxes to justify recounts that could alter results. These accusations have sparked tensions at some polling stations, with protests thwarting attempts to introduce foreign ballots.
In particular, Ogbamey highlighted incidents at Ablekuma West and Ayawaso Central, where clashes reportedly erupted over alleged ballot swaps.
“As late as 1:30am this morning, the presiding and collation officers were still confused on what to collate at Ayawaso Central as a result of their own mixture of false data with genuine results, noted Sophia Ackuaku, MP for Domeabra-Obom as a supervising party officer at Ayawaso Central”.
Alfred Ogbamey, a Member of the NDC
Calls for Electoral System Reform
Prominent voices have joined the chorus of criticism against the EC’s handling of the election results. Bright Simons, Honorary Vice President of IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, expressed frustration over the prolonged delay.
“More than eight hours after the close of polls in Ghana. Not a single certified result from the Electoral Commission on its website. How? Prolonging needless anxiety. The whole electoral system needs an overhaul”.
Bright Simons, Honorary Vice President of IMANI Centre for Policy and Education
Dr Juliana Abane, a senior lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), echoed similar sentiments and lashed out at the Electoral Commission of Ghana over the long delay in facilitating the electoral process.
“The EC is not serious. Stay at the collation centres. What’s their problem? A restructuring of the EC is imminent,” she stated, emphasising the need for a non-partisan Electoral Commission.
“No government should pack the EC with party faithful. Public servants work hard hoping to lead an organization someday. Then, boom, a president comes with his cronies to the organisation.”
Dr Juliana Abane, A Senior Lecturer at the KNUST
The delayed results and allegations of malpractice have heightened tensions nationwide. The opposition National Democratic Congress, which is projected to win both the presidential and parliamentary urges its supporters to remain vigilant, while civil society organizations call for transparency in the collation process.
The EC’s inability to provide timely certified results has underscored the need for systemic reforms to ensure the credibility and efficiency of future elections.
As the nation awaits the announcement of results, the spotlight remains firmly on the EC to address the concerns raised and restore public confidence in Ghana’s democratic process.
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