February 11, 2025

Henry Osei Akoto Urges EC to Act Promptly in Response to Concerns Over Delay in Distribution of Electoral Materials

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Henry Osei Akoto2

Henry Osei Akoto, a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Team, has expressed frustration with the Electoral Commission (EC) over its handling of various issues during the Special Voting exercise, particularly regarding the delayed distribution of electoral materials. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Nhyira FM on December 4, 2024, Osei Akoto highlighted the EC’s failure to address critical concerns, such as delays in the delivery of materials, issues with the indelible ink, and the improper storage of biometric verification devices (BVDs), which were reported in some constituencies.

Osei Akoto stressed that these issues, if not swiftly addressed, could jeopardize the credibility of the elections. He pointed out that concerns raised during the Special Voting process should not be overlooked, as they have the potential to undermine the election process ahead of the main polls scheduled for December 7. He called on the Electoral Commission to take immediate action to resolve the issues and restore confidence in the election process.

“The Electoral Commission needs to wake up and address the ongoing concerns surrounding the indelible ink, the delays in the distribution of materials, and the improper storage of BVDs,” Osei Akoto said. His comments were made in light of several reported issues that emerged during the Special Voting exercise, which took place on December 2, 2024. In some parts of the country, voters and election officials encountered delays due to the late arrival of electoral materials, leading to confusion and frustration.

One notable example of these delays occurred in the Krowor constituency, where the voting process was interrupted because the required materials did not arrive on time. Benedict Clottey, the Returning Officer for Krowor, explained that the delay was caused by the late arrival of the ballot papers, which arrived after 7 a.m. Despite the setback, Clottey confirmed that voting resumed without significant issues. He explained that the delay was due to one of the candidates being late in reporting, which prevented the timely arrival of necessary materials. “By 7 o’clock, the ballot papers were out, and we had to take our time to verify the contents to ensure everything matched what was expected,” Clottey explained.

The delays in the distribution of materials during the Special Voting exercise raised questions about the preparedness of the Electoral Commission ahead of the upcoming general elections. Osei Akoto’s frustration reflects a broader sense of unease among political parties and the public regarding the EC’s ability to manage the election process smoothly. He argued that the commission must take decisive steps to address the existing challenges and avoid any potential issues that could affect the fairness and credibility of the elections.

He also raised concerns about the management of key electoral resources, such as the indelible ink, which is used to mark voters after they cast their ballots. Osei Akoto warned that any failure to ensure the proper distribution and use of such materials could lead to problems with voter identification and the overall integrity of the voting process.

The NDC member also pointed to the improper storage of biometric verification devices (BVDs) as a significant issue that could compromise the security of the elections. BVDs are essential for verifying voter identities and ensuring that only eligible voters participate in the elections. Osei Akoto emphasized that the proper maintenance and security of these devices are crucial to prevent potential issues with voter fraud or other forms of electoral malpractice.

As the country prepares for the December 7 elections, Osei Akoto’s comments have drawn attention to the need for the Electoral Commission to demonstrate greater preparedness and transparency. He called on the EC to take immediate action to address the issues raised during the Special Voting exercise and to ensure that all electoral materials are properly distributed and managed in the days leading up to the general elections.

The upcoming election is a critical moment for Ghana’s democracy, and all stakeholders, including the EC, political parties, and voters, must work together to ensure a fair, credible, and transparent process. Osei Akoto’s call for action underscores the importance of addressing logistical challenges and ensuring that the integrity of the election is maintained from start to finish. With Election Day fast approaching, the Electoral Commission must act decisively to address these concerns and uphold the trust of the Ghanaian people in the electoral system.

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