NDC to Audit Recalled Ballot Booklets for Western and Eastern Regions Before Destruction

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that it will conduct a thorough audit of the recalled ballot booklets for the Western and Eastern Regions, which are scheduled to be destroyed. This decision was made to ensure transparency in the handling of electoral materials and to uphold the integrity of the election process.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the NDC’s Director of Elections and IT, made this announcement, stressing that the volume of ballots involved in the process made it impossible to proceed with the destruction as initially planned. He explained that given the large number of ballots, it was crucial to first conduct an audit to account for all the materials. “Considering the volumes involved, the said destruction of ballot papers cannot take place today,” Dr. Boamah said, further emphasizing that this audit is a necessary step to maintain transparency and trust in the electoral system.
Dr. Boamah took to social media on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, to underscore the importance of this audit and vigilance in ensuring a fair electoral process. He pointed out that the Electoral Commission (EC) has already lost the trust of the public due to previous concerns over its handling of electoral matters. “The Commission must never forget they lost our trust long ago,” he remarked, stressing the need for rigorous oversight in all stages of the electoral process. His comments reflect the skepticism many have expressed regarding the EC’s management of election materials, further justifying the NDC’s decision to ensure transparency through the audit.
This move comes in the wake of a significant issue that arose on Sunday, December 1, 2024, when the Electoral Commission ordered the recall and reprinting of ballot papers for the Eastern and Western Regions. This action was taken after it was discovered that a batch of ballot papers had been leaked. The leakage raised serious concerns about the possibility of electoral malpractice, with fears that the authenticity of the voting process might be compromised. Given the gravity of this issue, the EC decided to recall the faulty ballot papers to ensure a fair and credible election.
The leakage of the ballot papers was a serious breach that called into question the security measures surrounding the election process. In response, the Electoral Commission swiftly announced its decision to recall and reprint the affected ballot papers, highlighting the importance of ensuring that the materials used in the election are secure and free from tampering.
The NDC, however, expressed its concerns about the integrity of the election and the EC’s handling of the situation. Dr. Boamah’s comments reflect the party’s mistrust of the EC, which it believes has failed to maintain the level of transparency expected in the electoral process. The party’s call for an audit of the recalled ballot booklets is part of its broader effort to ensure that the upcoming elections are fair, transparent, and free from manipulation. The NDC has consistently raised concerns about the Electoral Commission’s handling of election materials and has called for stricter oversight to prevent any potential issues that could undermine the credibility of the election.
The audit, once completed, will help provide assurances to the public that the election process is being conducted with the highest levels of integrity and transparency. It will also serve to ensure that all electoral materials are accounted for and that there are no irregularities in the handling of the ballots. Given the scale of the elections and the importance of maintaining public trust in the electoral process, the NDC’s decision to push for an audit is seen as a necessary step in safeguarding the credibility of the electoral process.
The NDC’s decision to audit the recalled ballot booklets is a move aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the lead-up to the December 7 elections. With concerns about the Electoral Commission’s credibility and the integrity of the election process, the party is taking steps to ensure that all materials are properly handled and accounted for. This audit is a critical measure to maintain public confidence in the electoral process, especially in light of the recent ballot leakage incident. The NDC’s vigilance in demanding accountability highlights its commitment to ensuring that the 2024 elections are free, fair, and transparent.