William Obeng Adarkwa, the Upper East Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), has highlighted the measures taken to ensure the security and transparency of ballot materials ahead of the December elections.
A key part of these preparations, he explained, is the establishment of a committee comprising EC officials and representatives from political parties to oversee the printing of ballots.
This committee enforces strict protocols, including prohibiting the printing of ballots by any unauthorized entity.
Notably, political parties have been actively involved in monitoring the entire process. Their representatives accompanied the EC’s convoy transporting the ballot papers from Accra to Bolgatanga, the Upper East regional capital.
Mr. Adarkwa remarked that this marked an unprecedented level of oversight. “For the first time, perhaps—I may be wrong—the political parties’ convoy followed us all the way from Accra to Bolga here,” he said.
He further revealed that party representatives were also present during the unloading of ballot materials in Bolgatanga. Their role included verifying the quantity of the materials before any were opened.
“When we were discharging the items, they were there. We couldn’t have opened the truck without their presence, so we invited them, and thankfully, they were there on time to check the quantity,” Mr. Adarkwa stated during an interview on A1 Radio.
The discussion with A1 Radio was 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. It contributes to the broader goal of consolidating Ghana’s democracy and ensuring a peaceful electoral environment.
The A1 Radio discussion provided 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
