Ballot papers and materials necessary for the December 7 polls have been collected and secured in the Upper East Region.
William Obeng Adarkwa, the Upper East Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), confirmed this in a recent conversation with A1 Radio. According to Mr. Adarkwa, all other necessary preparations are also being fulfilled ahead of the election.
In an interview on A1 Radio, Mr. Adarkwa disclosed that the region received the ballot papers on November 18, 2024, and assured the public that they are being kept under tight security at the regional police command.
The EC official stated that thorough checks are ongoing to ensure the integrity of the election materials. He emphasized that no discrepancies have been detected so far but acknowledged that the EC, as a human institution, is not immune to errors. He reassured the public that any issues would be swiftly reported to the EC headquarters in Accra for prompt resolution.
“As far as our checks go, we haven’t seen any discrepancies, but we know it’s a human institution, so we’ve not given up. We are still checking,” Mr. Adarkwa stated.
He confirmed that both parliamentary and presidential ballot papers are securely stored in the region. To ensure full transparency, he added that political party representatives would be invited to participate in the statistical checks, with constituency executives also encouraged to attend.
“I have even told them to come with their constituency executives. They’ll be there,” he said.
The discussion with A1 Radio formed part of a collaborative effort between the station and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). The initiative, titled “Countering Hate Speech and Polarizing Narratives to Foster Democratic Consolidation and Peace in Ghana,” aims to strengthen the electoral process by promoting tolerance and responsible information sharing.
The project seeks to educate the public on the importance of peaceful political discourse, counter divisive and toxic narratives, and foster inclusive dialogue, especially during the election period. The initiative contributes to the broader goal of consolidating Ghana’s democracy and ensuring a peaceful electoral environment.
The discussion facilitated by A1 Radio provides a crucial platform for addressing concerns, clarifying processes, and promoting understanding ahead of the election. By engaging key stakeholders, such as the Electoral Commission and civil society organizations, it helps demystify electoral processes and address common anxieties among the public. Clear communication about preparations, security measures, and checks reassures citizens that their votes will count and that the process will be transparent.
Additionally, such conversations encourage collaboration among political actors, fostering an environment of mutual respect and tolerance. During the discussions, listeners called in to seek clarifications on issues and voice their grievances, further enhancing public confidence in the electoral process.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1 MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor| Bolgatanga
