Fred Tetteh, the Commission’s Director of Research, assured the public that preparations are complete, covering both materials and staffing across the constituency.

“In terms of preparation, the Commission is ready. Everything is set for the poll. We are talking about logistics, personnel; yes, we are ready. The logistics and all arrangements have been made regarding the packing of materials, ballot boxes, and voting screens for the 113 polling stations where the elections will be held,” Mr. Tetteh said on Accra-based Citi FM.

The Commission disclosed that 49,966 voters are on the electoral roll in Ayawaso East, with polls scheduled to open at 7 a.m. and close at 5 p.m.

Five aspirants, including former Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, are contesting the race.

Although all aspirants remain confident of victory, a poll by Global InfoAnalytics projects a 75 per cent win for Baba Jamal, who is also a former MP for Akwatia, ahead of his closest contender, Baba Ali of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Independent aspirant Umaru Sanda Muhammed, who recently severed ties with the NDC, is projected to secure about 3 per cent of the vote.

The survey further suggests that the remaining candidates, Ibrahim Iddrisu and David, are each expected to garner less than one per cent of the total ballots cast, highlighting what appears to be a largely two-horse race between the NDC and NPP.

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The petitions, submitted by individuals and civil society groups, accused the EC Chair and her deputies of accountability and administrative lapses, while the complaints against the Special Prosecutor cited alleged incompetence and abuse of office.

President John Dramani Mahama referred the petitions to Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie in line with constitutional provisions, including Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution and the regulations governing the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

The Chief Justice has 30 days to determine whether a prima facie case exists. If established, a three-member committee would be empanelled to investigate and submit recommendations to the President.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the Presidency Communications Office said that after reviewing the submissions, Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie informed the President in a letter dated January 26, 2026, that no prima facie case had been established.

As a result, no further proceedings will be initiated regarding the requested removals.

The statement, signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, noted that the development effectively closes the matter unless new legal grounds emerge.

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The EC stated that the meeting will focus exclusively on arrangements and procedures for conducting the by-election, instructing political parties to send no more than two representatives each.

The by-election was triggered by the death of the sitting MP, Mahama Naser Toure, on January 4, 2026, following a brief illness.

Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially acclaimed Baba Ali as its parliamentary candidate, following consultations and a review of candidates who could effectively mobilize support within the limited campaign period.

In the National Democratic Congress (NDC) primary held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, Ghana’s High Commissioner, Baba Jamal, emerged as the party’s candidate.

The election faced calls for annulment amid allegations of vote buying and inducement, which were investigated by a three-member committee. The committee has since submitted its report, clearing Baba Jamal to represent the NDC in the by-election.

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In a notice dated February 6, 2026, addressed to the General Secretaries of all registered political parties, the Commission announced that the engagement will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at its corporate headquarters in Accra.

According to the EC, the meeting will focus solely on arrangements and procedures for conducting the Ayawaso East by-election. Political parties have been directed to send no more than two representatives each to the session.

The invitation was signed by Dr. Bossman Eric Asare, Deputy Chairperson in charge of Corporate Services, on behalf of the Chairperson of the Commission.

The Ayawaso East by-election was necessitated by the death of the sitting MP, Mahama Naser Toure, on January 4, 2026, following a short illness.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) officially named Baba Ali as its parliamentary candidate on January 27, following broad consultations and a review of who could effectively mobilize support within a limited campaign period.

In a parliamentary primary on Saturday, February 7, 2026, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) elected Ghana’s High Commissioner, Baba Jamal, as its candidate. However, there have been calls for the election to be annulled amidst an ongoing probe into alleged vote buying and inducement that contributed to his victory.

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Read the full statement below:

Responding to the claims on Top Story, Fred Tetteh, Deputy Director of Research at the EC, dismissed the assertions as baseless.

“There is no iota of truth in what has been being circulated. That’s what I can say for now,” Tetteh stated on Friday.

The dismissal follows a press release from the Agyapong campaign, which called for heightened vigilance from the EC and the Ghana Police Service.

The statement alleged that, due to a shortage of official vehicles, the EC was using approved private vehicles to convey ballots, but cited “isolated incidents” in three regions where papers were allegedly moved without proper branding or escort.

Read also: NPP race: Kennedy Agyapong urges heightened security

When pressed on the Commission’s readiness for Saturday’s crucial internal election, Mr Tetteh expressed full confidence.

“Everything is set for tomorrow. Everything is ready, all the officials are ready, and as I have been saying, the Commission will deliver a professional job tomorrow,” he assured.

He further reiterated the EC’s commitment to a credible process.

“We will go into the elections, treat everything fairly, and undertake our responsibilities in light of integrity and in a transparent manner.”

The Deputy Director of Research at the EC, Fred Tetteh, issued the warning while speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse, stressing that displaying candidate-branded clothing on voting day is a violation of electoral guidelines.

“On election day tomorrow, you can wear your NPP colours. But make sure you are not wearing a T-shirt, a cap, or a trousers, or whatever it is that belongs to any of the five candidates. When you do that, it is an offence against the by-law and the guidelines,” he said.

The contest features former Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia; former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong; former Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum; former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong; and former General Secretary of the party, Kwabena Agyepong.

In all, 211,849 delegates are expected to cast their ballots at 333 polling centres located across the country’s 276 constituencies.

Voting is scheduled to begin at 7:00 a.m. and close at 2:00 p.m.

According to Mr Tetteh, active campaigning is not expected on the eve and day of the elections, as stipulated by the rules governing internal party contests.

He explained that while large-scale mobilisation and rallies are prohibited, limited engagement such as house-to-house interactions, is still permissible within the law.

“Today, we are not expecting any of the candidates to be campaigning or amassing people. But obviously, you can be doing house-to-house if you want to,” he added.

The caution comes as the governing NPP prepares to hold its presidential primaries to elect a flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.

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The Commission said all key logistical and administrative measures have been put in place to guarantee a smooth, transparent and credible electoral process.

Speaking in an interview on Citi FM, the EC’s Deputy Director of Research, Fred Tetteh, disclosed that the distribution of election materials to designated voting centres across the country will commence on Tuesday, January 27.

He explained that critical preparatory activities, including the printing of ballot papers, have been completed under stringent oversight, with representatives of the aspirants present throughout the process.

“Our preparations are far advanced. The printing of the ballot papers, which was done in the presence of the representatives of the aspirants, has been completed,” Mr Tetteh said.

He further noted that the Commission has since taken custody of the ballot papers from the printing facility and has also received the official voter album for accredited delegates.

According to him, all materials are expected to be dispatched to the 16 regional capitals by Tuesday, ahead of their onward distribution to constituency centres.

In a press release issued on January 16, 2026, the Commission said the seat had become vacant in accordance with Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution, as amended, making it necessary to conduct a by-election.

The EC stated that nominations for prospective candidates will be received at its Ayawaso East Municipal Office at North Ridge from Monday, February 9, to Wednesday, February 11, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.

Interested candidates are required to download nomination forms from the Commission’s website from Friday, January 16, to Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Completed nomination forms may be submitted by the candidate or through a proposer or seconder to the Returning Officer at the designated office.

According to the Commission, nomination forms must be endorsed by two registered voters in the constituency as proposer and seconder and supported by 18 other registered voters. Each candidate must also submit two recent postcard-sized photographs with a red background.

The filing fee has been set at GH¢10,000 per candidate, while female candidates and persons with disabilities will pay a reduced fee of GH¢7,500.

The Commission has urged the general public and prospective candidates to take note of the timelines and requirements ahead of the by-election.

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According to him, the Supreme Court’s decision to suspend the planned rerun in the constituency underscores the fact that Parliament acted prematurely in communicating the vacancy to the EC.

Oppong Nkrumah argued that the declaration of a vacant seat was made at a time when court applications relating to the matter had already been served on Parliament, creating what he described as an avoidable constitutional puzzle.

He stressed that the confusion surrounding the Kpandai constituency and its parliamentary representation must be resolved, insisting that only the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has the authority to correct the situation by ruling the letter void.

The Ofoase-Ayirebi MP further suggested that the Kpandai MP, Matthew Nyindam, should formally apply to the Speaker for a waiver of the declaration.

On the broader implications, Oppong Nkrumah warned that any attempt to force a rerun or “snatch” parliamentary seats without a firm legal basis could trigger chaos and set a dangerous precedent, urging Parliament and government to proceed with caution.

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Dr. Bawumia argued that the EC’s decision overlooks ongoing legal processes involving NPP candidate Matthew Nyindam, who currently has appeals before both the High Court and the Supreme Court. He emphasised that none of these cases have been concluded, making the commission’s rush inappropriate.

He further noted that in similar electoral disputes in other constituencies, the EC waited until all judicial processes were fully exhausted before taking action, questioning why Kpandai is being treated differently.

Dr. Bawumia warned that bypassing established democratic procedures could undermine public confidence in Ghana’s governance and threaten institutional stability.

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The application, filed pursuant to Article 99 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 16 of the Representation of the People Act, 1992 (PNDCL 284), concerns the disputed December 7, 2024 parliamentary election in Kpandai.

Mr. Wakpal is challenging the EC’s declaration of the New Patriotic Party’s Matthew Nyindam as Member of Parliament-elect for the constituency.

In the motion for committal for contempt, filed under Order 50 Rule 1(2) of C.I. 47, counsel for the NDC candidate is asking the court to commit Madam Mensa for failing to comply with an earlier Tamale High Court directive ordering a rerun of the election.

The Tamale High Court is expected to hear the motion on December 23, 2025.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Tanko questioned why the EC has yet to fix a date for the rerun despite a clear directive from the High Court.

He dismissed claims by the Minority that the NDC is being unfair to the incumbent MP, Matthew Nyindam, stressing that the party is simply following due process.

“The claim by the Minority that we are being unfair to Nyindam is incorrect. Gyakye Quayson was stripped of all his privileges as an MP and faced even worse circumstances. Since the court has ruled on this matter, nothing prevents Parliament from exercising its mandate. Parliament cannot alter the decision made by the High Court,” he stated.

Mr. Tanko Computer further indicated that the NDC will not allow the matter to be delayed any longer.

“We are currently in the process of filing a contempt of court action against the Electoral Commission. Why are they not providing a date for the election? The court has spoken, and we are prepared to move forward. We are not pursuing this because we want to amend the constitution, as the Minority claims,” he added.

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According to the caucus, no action—including the controversial letter sent by the Clerk of Parliament to the Electoral Commission (EC)—can remove Matthew Nyindam from his seat until the courts deliver a final ruling.

Speaking to journalists, Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei cited multiple legal and parliamentary precedents to support their position. She stressed that Nyindam must continue to be recognized as a Member of Parliament until his stay of execution and appeal are fully determined.

Appiagyei referenced the case of Samuel Nyimakan of Wulensi, who remained in Parliament throughout his appeal process, with the seat only declared vacant after the Court of Appeal issued its final decision. She also pointed to former MPs Eric Amoateng, who retained his seat until resigning despite being detained abroad; Dan Abodakpi of Keta, who returned to Parliament in 2008 after receiving a presidential pardon; and Adamu Dramani Sakande, who served until a final criminal conviction in 2012 removed him from office.

The Minority accused the Clerk of Parliament, the Speaker, and Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga of attempting to “unlawfully take over” the Kpandai seat. They insisted that due process must be respected and established parliamentary precedent strictly followed.

The caucus vowed to defend the disputed seat until the courts issue a definitive ruling.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Darko accused Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and his team of deliberately pushing for a rerun of the Kpandai election, describing the move as politically motivated.

“The Majority Leader has lost it as the leader of the House. As a leader, you must build consensus, but because they have the numbers, they want to do what they want. So we too, with our small number, will also do what we have to do,” Darko said.

He emphasized that the Minority will not permit the Majority Leader to conduct business in Parliament until the dispute over the Kpandai seat is resolved.

“When he stood up to speak, he wanted the business of the House to continue, but we must finish the business of Kpandai first. We need finality, else we won’t let the House proceed. The Clerk must withdraw the letter to the EC,” he insisted.

The Suame MP noted that while the Minority has cooperated with Parliamentary leadership in the past for the sake of national progress, it will not remain passive while the NDC Majority “manipulates the process” regarding the Kpandai seat.

His remarks follow a protest by Minority MPs, who appeared in black on the floor of Parliament to demonstrate what they describe as an “unlawful” and politically biased decision.

Meanwhile, Clerk to Parliament Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in a letter dated December 4, 2025, officially notified the EC of the vacancy in the Kpandai Constituency. The notification followed a November 24 High Court ruling in Tamale, which annulled the 2024 parliamentary results and ordered a rerun.

The Clerk explained that his action was in accordance with Article 112(5) of the Constitution, which mandates him to inform the EC whenever a parliamentary seat becomes vacant.

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He filed the petition under Article 146 of the Constitution, accusing the EC leadership of misconduct.

But Mr Adumadzie insists his personal situation is not what motivated his action. Rather, he told Citi News that his concerns stem from what he believes are worsening problems in the management of the Commission.

According to him, he has been on interdiction for some time over issues involving Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs).

“For a while now, I don’t go to work. I have not resigned, I have not been sacked. I am on an interdiction. It’s a whole lot,” he said on Citi Eyewitness News on Monday, November 24. He explained that the interdiction was linked to allegations that old BVDs were found in a refuse dump and traced to him.

He strongly denied the claims.

“It was about these BVDs. They were saying things that were not true about me, but I don’t want to go there. Yes, the old machines, but they are not with me, and it is not even true. That is the whole thing,” he insisted.

Mr Adumadzie disclosed that the Commission took him to court over the matter but failed to substantiate the allegations.

“They sued me and couldn’t prove anything. And for one year I won the case, and I have sued them,” he added.

He stressed that his petition to President Mahama is not an act of revenge or a reaction to his interdiction. Instead, he said it is driven by concerns over the Commission’s integrity and what he describes as an urgent need for accountability at the top.

In his petition, Mr Adumadzie outlines 12 grounds of alleged misconduct against the EC Chairperson and her deputies, including cronyism, abuse of office, and gross incompetence.

He argues that their actions have weakened public confidence in the Commission and pose a threat to Ghana’s electoral credibility.

He is urging President Mahama to refer the petition to the Chief Justice to determine whether a prima facie case exists, as required under the Constitution.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Adumadzie said his petition is based on concerns over “incompetence and cronyism,” which he believes threaten the integrity of Ghana’s electoral system.

Mr. Adumadzie, who has worked at the EC headquarters since January 2012, revealed that he has been away from the office for nearly two years following what he described as false allegations leveled against him.

He explained that he was interdicted, detained at the National Security for several days, and later dragged to court for a year in a case that stalled because no EC representative appeared.

“I have not been to the office for close to two years because they lied against me. What they did to me is not even part of my petition. My petition is not as a result of hatred. Even if I had gotten my job back, I would have still gone through with the petition,” he said.

Joseph Adumadzie’s petition calls for the removal of Jean Mensa, Dr. Bossman Eric Asare, and Samuel Tettey, whom he accuses of conduct that undermines public confidence in the Commission.

The Presidency has yet to publicly comment on the petition.

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Mr. Kangah retired as a Deputy Chairman in Charge of Finance and Administration in 2012 after 19 years of service.

Born on April 29, 1947, in Sandema in the Upper East Region of Ghana, he started work as an educator before moving into election administration, and conflict resolution .

David Kangah had his early education in Sandema before attending Tamale Secondary School and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Cape Coast in 1972.

He obtained a Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution from Antioch University, Ohio, USA, as well as postgraduate training in Science Education and Educational Foundations from Chelsea College and the University of Leeds, UK.

Mr Kangah started his career as a teacher at Notre Dame and Navrongo Secondary schools. He was the pioneer headmaster of Zamse Secondary Technical School (1976–1987), and later headed Navrongo Secondary School until 1993.

He transitioned into public service as a member of the National Commission for Democracy and the Interim National Electoral Committee (INEC) before being appointed Deputy Chairman of the Electoral Commission in 1993, a role he held until 2012.

He was instrumental in Ghana’s return to multiparty democracy, overseeing operations, finance, administration, policy formulation, human resource management, electoral logistics, and international election observation at the EC.

His expertise took him across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and the United States as a consultant, trainer, facilitator, ECOWAS representative, and Commonwealth observer.

Mr. Kangah held leadership roles in several professional bodies, including GNAT, CHASS, the Ghana Schools and Colleges Sports Federation, and international dispute resolution associations.

Post-retirement, he remained active in farming, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution, and also served on Ghana’s Council of State.

A father of eight, Mr. Kangah was married to the late Mary Kangah.

Source: Graphic

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Speaking at the 2025 Democracy Dialogues in Accra, organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Mrs. Osei described her time in office as emotionally taxing for both her and her family.

“There were a lot of lies, and the whole fabric of the family was affected. It was either worrying for themselves or constantly worrying about your safety. There was a time that a political party mob surrounded my dad’s house, and they were going to burn it down because of actions they felt I had taken,” she recounted.

She also highlighted the gender and age-based criticism she faced. “Being female, I was told directly by several people that it was not a job for a woman. Even my own father expressed the same fear. Many thought I was too young, especially coming after a legendary figure, Dr. Afari-Gyan,” she added.

Turning to Africa’s democratic institutions, Mrs. Osei criticised ECOWAS and the African Union for relying on “quiet diplomacy” when addressing flawed elections and constitutional manipulation, contrasting it with their strong public stance against coups.

She warned that ignoring the frustrations of Africa’s youth, many of whom face unemployment and exclusion, could further undermine democracy. “Leaders need to do better. Institutions like the African Union and ECOWAS need to do better so they are not seen as clubs of leaders meeting among themselves but as bodies that engage the people,” she urged.

President John Mahama, who also spoke at the forum, cautioned that rising public approval for military regimes reflects deepening disillusionment with democracy. He stressed that democracy must go beyond rights and freedoms to deliver tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.

Source: Adomonline

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The EC announced the date following a high-level meeting convened by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, with representatives of political parties on Tuesday.

The meeting focused on preventive and security measures for the by-election.

The by-election was triggered by the passing of Akwatia’s Member of Parliament, Ernest Yaw Kumi of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), on July 7, 2025. His death created a parliamentary vacancy, necessitating the by-election.

During Tuesday’s session, the IGP assured political parties of the Police Service’s readiness to maintain peace and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

Meanwhile, the by-election is a two-horse race between the NPP’s Solomon Asumadu and the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Bernard Bediako Baidoo. Both candidates remain optimistic ahead of the September 2, 2025 polls.

Source: Adomonline.com

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In a statement signed by Chairperson Mrs. Jean Mensa, the Commission described the news as shocking and disheartening, especially given Dr. Boamah’s role as a dedicated and vocal member of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC).

“Dr. Omane Boamah was committed to strengthening Ghana’s democratic and electoral processes. His absence at our meetings will be felt,” the statement said.

The Commission extended its condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, the government, the bereaved families, and all Ghanaians, urging unity and strength during this difficult time.

“May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” Mrs. Mensa concluded.

Source: Adomonline

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This follows the passing of the sitting Member of Parliament (MP), Ernest Kumi. The by-election is scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, 2025, in accordance with Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution.

According to the EC, interested aspirants must download nomination forms between July 30 and August 13, and submit the completed forms to the Returning Officer at the Denkyembour District Office within the nomination window.

Each aspiring candidate must submit two recent bust-sized photographs taken against a red background, clearly showing the full face and ears, along with a non-refundable filing fee of GHC 10,000.

However, female aspirants and persons with disabilities (PWDs) will benefit from a reduced fee of GHC 7,500.

Per the EC’s requirements, nomination forms must be signed by two registered voters in the constituency—a proposer and a seconder—and endorsed by eighteen additional registered voters.

Additionally, candidates must attach their written consent to the nomination forms.

The Commission has urged all aspirants and the general public to comply strictly with the nomination guidelines and timelines.

Source: AdomOnline

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“The EC itself said there was no need for a rerun, and we agreed. Today, they’ve changed their position,” he stated.

He used a metaphor to illustrate his point: “If your brother promised never to smoke but you find him smoking, don’t rush to call him a hypocrite. Ask if a gun was put to his head.”

Dr. Okoe-Boye claimed the EC is facing undue pressure but lamented that public criticism has largely focused on the Commission’s perceived inconsistency rather than the reasons behind its actions.

“This EC is under serious coercion, and because the NPP isn’t in the public’s good books, everyone is quiet,” he argued.

He also alleged political interference, questioning how party leaders could make pronouncements about the fate of institutional heads.

“How can you have a party chairman deciding which heads of institutions must be sacked, saying, ‘The EC head must go’? Enormous pressure has been placed on the EC,” he added.

Turning his attention to Nana Akua Afriyie, the NPP candidate participating in the rerun, Dr. Okoe-Boye expressed empathy, describing her as being in a “difficult emotional state.”

“I know her well. As a physician, I can tell she’s going through a lot mentally. She deserves support,” he said.

The rerun follows months of dispute over the December 2024 parliamentary results, which left Ablekuma North without a Member of Parliament. Both the NPP and NDC claim to have won the seat, making today’s vote crucial for restoring representation in the constituency.

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The clarion call comes in the wake of the controversy surrounding the EC’s decision to rerun elections in 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North constituency.

In a Facebook post, the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) immediate past Director of Elections and IT noted that the NPP refused to listen to concerns raised ahead of the 2024 general election.

However, he believes it is not too late to act, cautioning that Ghana’s democratic integrity must not be sacrificed at the altar of partisanship, stressing that electoral credibility is a shared responsibility.

“Let’s work together to fix the broken Electoral Commission and save Ghana’s democracy!” he appealed.

Meanwhile, the NPP has declared that it will not partake in the rerun scheduled for Friday, July 11, 2025.

Source: Adomonline.com

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Kodua insisted that the January 4 court order directed the EC to complete the collation of results and declare a winner—not to organise a rerun.

“All the EC requested was police escort for collation, so why this sudden change? We will never be part of a rerun,” he stated.

Mr. Kodua further challenged the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to produce the original pink sheets if they truly believe they won the election.

“The NDC knows they have lost but are trying to intimidate us. If they genuinely won, they should have supported the EC with police protection for collation,” he argued.

The NPP maintains that it won the election based on its pink sheet records and is urging the EC to proceed with the collation of results from the three outstanding polling stations—not a rerun of 19 polling stations as announced.

He added that the EC’s “u-turn posturing doesn’t add up” and called on the Commission to explain the sudden shift in its approach.

Source: Farida Seidu | Adomonline

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Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, July 5, Ms. Addo criticised the EC for acting unilaterally without sufficient engagement, particularly on an issue as sensitive as a rerun of election results.

“I think that the EC need to have a broader consultation, bring stakeholders on board,” she said.

Ms. Addo further called for the EC to reconsider its approach, including suspending the planned rerun until there has been clarity and consensus.

“I think it will be helpful. You see, EC went to Parliament for how long? Just came out and said they have decided to go back for rerun and then there’s even a date,” she noted.

She also questioned the Commission’s inconsistent approach in handling the matter and said that clarity from the courts should have been sought much earlier.

“I thought that the EC’s own inconsistencies were not helpful, and I thought that seven months, if they were coming up, we should have a clear direction, and they should have been the first to go to court for direction, instead of coming up with something for the NPP to go back to court.”

When asked why the EC should go to court despite having the constitutional mandate to conduct elections, she responded, “They have the power but why did NPP go to court in the first place?

“These are issues that you don’t just get. Using scan copies to collate results, it’s not in any of the procedures. It was built on consensus… So if you are not consistent with some of these arrangements, you only resort to two parties, and there were no issues when the party agreed.”

She stressed that where consensus exists, the EC’s actions proceed without challenge. However, when disagreements arise, as seen in the current situation, seeking judicial clarity is crucial.

Ms. Addo added that more inclusive dialogue through structures like the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) must be prioritised.

“Consensus building is important. The EC must, even if they are going to go for a rerun, I think that they have to do much consultation and communication around it, and not take it for granted that people can just mobilise,” she said.

She also called on the Ghana Police Service to reassure the public of their readiness to maintain law and order in the event of heightened political tension.

“Most of the important issues have been resolved through IPAC… They shouldn’t just meet two parties. Bring stakeholders on board, and the decisions and agreements at IPAC, we should find a very good way of documenting them, getting agreements signed, something binding. This is something we’ve been calling for, that IPAC should be institutionalised.”

Source: Myjoyonline

This follows the withdrawal of the military escort that previously guarded her, a move that triggered public discussion on the appropriate roles of security services in civilian affairs.

On his verified page, Dr. Omane Boamah confirmed the transition and emphasised that the police will now lead in safeguarding the EC chair.

He said the Ghana Police Service has the specialised mandate and training for internal security, and should therefore act as the primary force protecting public officials such as Mrs Mensa.

Dr. Omane Boamah also explained the rationale behind the initial deployment of soldiers: at times when threats escalate beyond routine, military involvement may be warranted to supplement the police.

However, he emphasised that “the presence of the military…can cause shock and awe, and this should not become the norm.”

With the withdrawal of military protection, he asserts that the police are now fully equipped to handle any credible threat to Mrs Mensa.

In his post, Dr. Omane Boamah urged the public to trust in the professionalism of the police and maintain calm: “The Ghana Police has enough personnel trained for peacekeeping and law enforcement,” he wrote, encouraging restraint and emphasising that military intervention should remain a last resort.

Source: Ernest Arhinful

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Oppong Nkrumah claimed the EC’s decision points to political interference, accusing the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of manipulation.

“I’m surprised. Weeks ago, the EC assured Parliament there was no need for a rerun and only requested security for collation. We even petitioned the police to assist. Now, within two weeks, they’re calling for a rerun. It’s glaring that there is some form of manipulation,” he said.

OPPONG NKRUMAH ON ABLEKUMA NORTH

He further questioned the conduct of the police under the new Inspector General of Police (IGP), whom he alleged was appointed under NDC influence.

“How can the new IGP, appointed by the NDC, provide security for the re-run but couldn’t do so for the collation process? This raises more questions than answers,” he added.

The Electoral Commission has scheduled the rerun for July 11, 2025, following prolonged disputes over the December 7, 2024, parliamentary results between NPP’s Nana Akua Afriyie and NDC’s Ewurabena Aubynn.

Source: Farida Seidu

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, the MP said someone with Asiedu Nketia’s political experience should know better.

“Asiedu Nketia has done politics for long. He should be the one showing us the right thing. You don’t go around accusing the EC of being incompetent while you are the ones creating the problems” he said.

He warned that if these tensions are not properly addressed, it could lead to dangerous consequences for the country’s democracy.

“If this issue is not resolved, it can bring bigger problems. Every government may want to have their own EC, and that’s not good for democracy.”

Commenting on the possibility of a petition to the presidency for the removal of the EC Chair, Jean Mensa, he said:

“With what they are doing and saying, it won’t be shocking at all. But even if it gets there, I hope the judges and the committee that may look into the issue will rise to the occasion and serve the interest of the nation.”

He also alleged that the NDC has a history of pushing for the removal of key figures in state institutions.

“Their actions show that they will even be behind removing the EC Chair, just like they did to the Chief Justice.”

Baffour Awuah added that Ghanaians are closely observing the behaviour of the NDC and will respond at the right time.

“Ghanaians are watching Asiedu Nketia and his NDC people who are eager to see the removal of the EC. But when the time for elections comes, they will show you where power truly lies.”

His reaction follows Asiedu Nketia’s recent press briefing in which he described the EC’s leadership as unfit for purpose and demanded their removal, citing a pattern of alleged electoral mismanagement.

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In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, the Director of Electoral Services and Training at the EC, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, revealed that the votes have already been counted, with only the collation outstanding.

“We’ve been in touch with the IGP and the police; the only issue now is security,” he said.

Dr. Quaicoe also urged political parties to be prepared to accept the final outcome.

The declaration has been delayed due to incomplete results from three polling stations out of 281, sparking heated disputes between the NDC and NPP—both of whom are claiming victory.

Tensions reached a peak on January 8, 2025, when the Returning Officer resigned following disagreements over pink sheets.

The EC has since suspended the process seven times amidst ongoing clashes between party supporters.

Meanwhile, both the NDC and NPP have erected billboards thanking voters, despite the absence of official results.

Watch the video below:

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She explained that using a direct recording device, where voters select their preferred candidate or party logo on a screen, would eliminate the traditional thumb-printing method, which often leads to errors.

Her proposal follows concerns over the excessive waste of ballot papers in Ghana’s general elections.

According to an audit by the Electoral Commission, between 1992 and 2020, one to three percent of votes in Ghana’s national elections were rejected. In the 2020 General Election, 2.33 percent of ballots were invalid, a figure that dropped slightly to 2.08 percent in the 2024 polls.

An in-depth analysis by the EC identified high voter illiteracy, voter dissatisfaction with candidates, and excessive caution by electoral officers as key factors contributing to rejected ballots.

Speaking at the Ninth Annual Continental Forum for Electoral Management Bodies in Accra on Wednesday, March 12, Jean Mensa expressed concern over the increasing rate of rejected ballots, warning that such trends could influence election outcomes. She urged electoral management bodies to analyze the complex factors leading to invalid votes and develop effective solutions.

“In the ever-evolving era of technology, it is about time that we as a continent begin to consider more effective and efficient mechanisms for voters to cast their ballots,” she stated.

The two-day Forum, hosted by Ghana’s Electoral Commission in collaboration with the African Union and the Association of African Election Authorities, has brought together over 40 representatives from electoral management bodies across Africa. Themed “All votes count: addressing the problem of invalid or rejected ballots in Africa,” the event aims to enhance the integrity of electoral processes and strengthen public trust in voting systems.

Jean Mensa also disclosed that discussions on adopting e-voting technology in Ghana have already begun. However, she assured stakeholders that the transition “will not be rushed.”

She further noted that the Forum would explore global best practices and innovative electoral systems to minimize rejected ballots. Additionally, she emphasized the need for public sensitization and comprehensive training for electoral officers to improve voting accuracy.

Former Chief Justice and Member of the Council of State, Madam Sophia Akuffo, echoed these concerns, stating that the rising number of rejected ballots poses a threat to Africa’s democracy.

“The democratic process of elections on our continent is at risk of being undermined by the increasing number of invalid or rejected ballots,” she cautioned.

She urged governments, electoral bodies, and stakeholders to renew efforts to safeguard public confidence in the electoral process.

Similarly, Mr. Fabio Bargiacchi, Founder and Executive Director of the European Centre for Electoral Support, emphasized the importance of collaboration among African election management bodies. He called for greater knowledge-sharing and experience exchange to strengthen democratic institutions and public trust in electoral systems.

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According to EC, though counting started, the ballots counted were negligible.

Regional Director, Francis Osei Nsiah, says the Commission has no document to help them in declaring the results of yesterday’s election.

“Yesterday, we brought nothing back. Everything that we took to the centre was destroyed by the thugs, nothing came back from the centre”, he said.

Mr Osei Nsiah added, “We finished the process, we did the sorting, allocated the ballots to the candidates and as we were counting the first candidate when it truncated. We cannot determine the votes of the first candidate we had counted.”

He says a decision on the way forward will be communicated subsequently.

“We have submitted our report to the commission so we are waiting for the commission to decide the way forward”, Mr Osei Nsiah emphasized.

The Council of State Election in the Ashanti Region ended abruptly after some thugs alleged to be linked to the ruling National Democratic Congress disrupted the process, tearing apart ballot papers.

The heavily built men overpowered police officers to gain access to the Electoral Commission’s table, where the ballots were to be counted.

It is alleged the NDC supporters were not happy with the ballot sorting which was believed to have gone in favour of an NPP member.

One of the three officers had some cuts on the face but was in stable condition after being treated by the police.

“Some of the thugs came here to attack some of the security personnel. They beat them and they had to be taken to the hospital.

“One of them says they hit his head against the wall so we had to rush him to the hospital for a scan to determine the impact. Per the report the guy is safe,” he said.

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Annoh-Dompreh had urged NPP supporters in Ablekuma North to stand by their party members in confrontations with the NDC.

Speaking at a gathering of NPP supporters during a visit by the party’s parliamentary candidate, Akua Afriyie, Annoh-Dompreh stated, “If indeed you are a member of the NPP and you go to meet your fellow party member fighting a member of the NDC, join your party member to beat the NDC member.”

The Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP accused the NDC of deliberately obstructing the Electoral Commission (EC) from completing the collation process and warned that the NPP would not tolerate further delays.

In an interview on Channel One Newsroom, Ahiagbah emphasized the need for stakeholders, including the government, to address the root causes of the ongoing election disputes.

“This whole election in Ablekuma North is a problem, and I think it should be a priority for all of us, including the president, because the EC has requested government support to provide security for the collation and conclusion of the election.”

He argued that the focus should be on the disruptions rather than Annoh-Dompreh’s remarks.

“Why haven’t we concluded that election? It’s because NDC supporters in the constituency are disrupting the process. The IGP is not doing what he is supposed to do, as directed by the High Court, to provide security for the election to be concluded. Those, for me, are the key issues.”

Ahiagbah also pointed to a January 17 incident where NDC supporters, led by their Greater Accra Regional Organiser, disrupted and vandalized property at the EC regional office.

“Why are we not talking about that? That’s the actual violence. These are the effects of those actions. I don’t think we should be promoting violence, but we should be solving the problem.”

He maintained that resolving the root issues would prevent such remarks from being made in the first place.

“If we solve the problem, he won’t hold a mic to say what he is saying. That is not to justify his comments, but why don’t we solve the problem?”

The process, which was suspended due to security concerns, was initially ordered to resume following a High Court directive on January 4, 2025. The EC was instructed to conclude and declare the results of four outstanding parliamentary elections.

Collation for Ablekuma North, the last remaining constituency, began on January 8, 2025, but was halted due to incomplete results from three polling stations. The exercise was rescheduled for January 17, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. However, intelligence reports prompted the Ghana Police Service to advise against proceeding, leading to further delays.

Despite this, the EC, in a statement issued on January 17, noted that the police had not provided adequate security at the collation center, which resulted in party supporters invading the venue.

Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Citi FM on Thursday, Mr. Tetteh assured that the EC is ready to proceed with the collation and final declaration once security concerns are addressed.

“In terms of the status as of now, the Commission is ready to go ahead to complete the three polling stations that are left to be added for the final declaration to be made,” he stated.

He emphasized that the EC has taken proactive steps.

“We have written to the police to provide security for us because we don’t want what happened on January 17 to reoccur. We are just waiting for the police to provide us with security, then we can go ahead with those three polling stations. The results are ready for us to just add up and declare the winner,” he explained.

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Dr. Quaicoe revealed that the EC has verified results from 278 out of 281 polling stations, with three outstanding polling stations yet to be verified due to specific challenges.

Speaking at the launch of the Agenda for the Post-election Coalition report by the Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition, he highlighted three key issues delaying the process.

First, a presiding officer has submitted results but is unwilling to appear at the collation center due to safety concerns following an attack.

Second, another officer validated results for candidates but declined to validate rejected ballots. “If the results for candidates are validated, that’s a positive step, but the final decision rests with the returning officer,” Dr. Quaicoe said.

The third challenge involves a presiding officer refusing to validate or reject results, necessitating further clarification or a decision from the EC.

Dr. Quaicoe assured that security measures are being taken to protect officials and facilitate the collation process, emphasizing that the returning officer will resolve the issues and declare the results.

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According to the EC, the elections are scheduled to take place in all regional capitals on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at venues to be determined by the Commission.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 22, the EC invited qualified persons interested in contesting the elections to submit their nomination forms, stating that candidates are required to provide two recent bust-sized photographs against a red background, clearly showing their full face and ears.

The Commission specified that nomination forms must be submitted to the Regional Directors of the respective regions between Tuesday, January 28, and Friday, January 31, 2025.

The EC further said that the nominations must be proposed and seconded by two registered voters in the Region and supported by 20 registered voters from the Region, adding that the candidate must consent to his nomination for election as a Member of the Council of State.

“Completed nomination forms must be delivered to the Regional Director of the Electoral Commission at the place designated for the receipt of the Nominations and at the time specified above,” part of the statement read.

Additionally, the EC noted that nomination forms can be downloaded from the Commission’s official website (www.ec.gov.gh) and must be completed in triplicate.

In this regard, the EC has opened nominations for persons who wish to contest.

All interested persons, according to the EC, are expected to submit their nominations with two passport-size copies of recent photographs.

The Commission, in a statement, said the applicants are to submit the applications from January 28 to January 31, 2025, between the hours of 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm to their Regional Directors.

The forms can be downloaded at the Commission’s website, www.ec.gov.gh free of charge.

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Read the full statement below:

In a statement signed by Mr. Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations, the EC clarified that the bags in question contained faulty ballot papers initially printed for the 2024 elections in the Ahafo and Volta regions, which were later destroyed.

“Unfortunately, the original audio of the video has been muted and replaced with a voice making false claims. The individual falsely alleges that the EC-branded bags, which actually contained ballot papers meant for destruction, were filled with dollars being smuggled by the NPP,” the statement read.

The EC urged the public to disregard the claims, emphasizing that the faulty ballot papers were destroyed by Zoomlion under the Commission’s supervision due to serialization issues.

This process was conducted transparently, with media coverage and certificates of destruction issued to verify the procedure.

“The presence of Electoral Commission staff and Zoomlion personnel in the video is explained by the supervised destruction of the ballot papers. The original video and certificates of destruction are available as proof that the allegations are baseless and misleading,” the statement concluded.

The EC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and called on the public to rely on verified information to avoid falling prey to falsehoods.

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The incident, reportedly linked to individuals alleged to be associated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), disrupted the scheduled resumption of the collation process today.

Witnesses say over 40 people stormed the venue, demanding the evacuation of officials and media personnel before vandalizing property, including louvre blades and doors.

The collation process, which had already been delayed multiple times, was set to take place at the EC’s old head office in Ridge.

No official statement has been issued by authorities, and it is unknown if any arrests have been made.

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In a Facebook post on Saturday, January 11, Dr. Boamah emphasized the importance of such an audit in safeguarding the integrity of future elections.

Expressing gratitude to supporters, he acknowledged those who participated in the “Enough Is Enough” demonstration, which called for an audit of the 2024 voters’ register and the EC’s IT systems.

He described this demand as a patriotic duty, critical to ensuring transparency and accountability in Ghana’s electoral processes.

Dr. Boamah stressed several concerning issues that necessitate an audit, including illegal voter transfers and the deletion of names from the voters’ register.

He also pointed to the theft of Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) equipment from the EC’s headquarters despite 24-hour military and police surveillance.

Additionally, the former Communications Minister raised questions about the origins of dubious ballot papers and other anomalies that marred the 2024 elections.

He further stressed the need to investigate incidents such as the theft of ballot papers, which disrupted special voting in the Eastern and Western regions and led to the reprinting of ballots.

Dr. Boamah called for the identification of the criminals and accomplices involved in these irregularities, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the credibility of elections.

Dr. Boamah concluded his post by encouraging all democracy advocates to support the call for a forensic audit.

According to him, revisiting these issues is essential for building trust in Ghana’s electoral system and preventing similar occurrences in future elections.

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Akua Afriyie has reassured Mr. Obeng that he would not face any harm despite the threats he has reportedly received.

Her plea follows Mr. Obeng’s announcement that he was stepping down from the ongoing collation of parliamentary results, citing frustrations encountered during the process.

Mr. Obeng revealed that of the seven polling stations, results from four had been successfully collated, leaving three outstanding.

He explained that difficulties arose due to the inability of presiding officers to authenticate the statement of poll and the declaration forms.

But speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Akua Afriyie shared in Mr. Obeng’s frustrations but urged him to reconsider his decision.

“I understand that the Returning Officer may be feeling threatened by some actions, particularly from the NDC, but I urge him to rescind his decision and finish his work” she said.

She stressed the importance of completing the process to ensure transparency and fairness.

Akua Afriyie also pledged that they would support the Returning Officer in finishing the job and that peace should prevail throughout the process.

“We are praying that God calms his heart so he can complete the collation process and declare the results. He should remain calm and help us finish the job.”

The NPP PC confidently noted that she had secured copies of the pink sheets from all polling stations, which indicate her clear victory adding that the results would reflect the will of the people.

NPP AKUA AFRIYIE ON EC

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His statement follows the Supreme Court’s December 27 ruling, which overturned an earlier High Court decision directing the EC to re-collate results in certain constituencies due to disputes.

The ruling has sparked fresh debate about the EC’s authority to independently address discrepancies in election results.

Speaking during an interview on Channel One TV, Atta Akyea emphasized that the EC has a constitutional mandate to re-collate results in constituencies where irregularities or fraud are suspected. He highlighted the EC’s autonomy in reviewing parliamentary election outcomes to uphold credibility and accuracy.

“I do not see the need for anyone to seek a mandamus order when the EC itself has the power to review results. The EC, in fulfilling its constitutional duties, can act upon evidence that someone has benefited from electoral fraud or irregularities,” Atta Akyea explained.

He further elaborated on scenarios where discrepancies could necessitate a re-collation, stating, “If certain polling stations were excluded during the collation process and the results have not been gazetted, the EC has every right to rectify such errors without requiring a court order. For example, what happens if the declaration is based on an error and lacks the full complement of pink sheets?”

When questioned about whether the EC should have waited for a court application before undertaking re-collation, Atta Akyea firmly disagreed.

“I believe it is unnecessary to wait for a mandamus order,” he said. “Parliament should be free from controversy. No one should benefit from electoral fraud to secure a seat in the chamber. How can anyone justify sitting in Parliament under such circumstances? Issues like duress and errors in computation undermine the integrity of the election process.”

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Tanko-Computer accused the EC of engaging in illegal actions by declaring New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidates as winners in certain constituencies, despite the NDC initially securing those seats.

He criticized the EC for what he described as lawless conduct, claiming that it had violated electoral laws and processes.

In his remarks, Tanko-Computer called for a purge of the Electoral Commission to restore the institution’s credibility and prevent such actions from recurring.

He described the recent events at the High Court as a “travesty of justice,” emphasizing that the NDC could not allow such a ruling to stand, as it would set a dangerous precedent.

“You saw what happened the following day, where the EC engaged in illegal activities. They defied the Supreme Court’s process and proceeded with their own actions. This lawless EC must be purged,” Tanko-Computer said.

He also expressed confidence in the NDC’s efforts to reclaim several parliamentary seats initially declared for the NPP. Following the Supreme Court’s ruling on December 27, 2024, which overturned the High Court’s decision, Tanko-Computer confirmed that the party would pursue legal action to reclaim seven disputed seats.

“We will take our case back to the High Court to secure the three remaining seats out of the seven in dispute. We will not stop until the will of the Ghanaian people is honored,” he stated.

Tanko-Computer hailed the Supreme Court’s ruling as a victory for democracy and reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to regaining the seats. “We are back to about 186 seats in Parliament because we’ve secured 4 seats today, and we’ll take the remaining 3 as well. We will follow this through until the end,” he concluded.

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Speaking on Joy News’ Newsfile on Monday, December 28, she argued that the EC’s assertion of illegality in disputed election results could exceed its mandate and require judicial determination.

Her comments come after the Supreme Court quashed results in the re-collation of votes in Tema Central, Ablekuma North, Techiman South, and Okaikwei Central in the 2024 parliamentary elections.

The Apex court added that the order does not affect Ahafo Ano North and Nsawam Adoagyiri results.

According to the court, the trial judge violated the right to a hearing of the NDC Parliamentary Candidates when they applied to the High Court.

“Is it within the capacity of the EC to declare that there is an illegality? That, for me, is a question the courts must answer,” Kasser-Tee stated.

She explained that while administrative bodies like the EC can recognize errors, declaring something illegal is a legal judgment that must be supported by due process.

The law lecturer distinguished between errors and illegalities, stating that errors are factual acknowledgements, whereas illegalities require a legal basis.

“When you say you have made an error, you admit it as a matter of fact. But if you are saying something is illegal, it’s a question of law,” she explained.

Mrs Kasser-Tee further argued that, procedural compliance is key in determining whether the EC acted within its mandate.

“If the procedure was followed, due process was adhered to, sometimes disputes might not even arise,” she noted, adding that transparency in decision-making fosters trust in institutions.

The law lecturer also stressed that allegations of illegality must be established through fair and impartial processes.

“Yes, it’s true that fraud vitiates everything, but allegations of fraud do not vitiate anything—they must be proven,” she said.

She questioned whether the EC had followed the required steps after receiving allegations of irregularities.

“The EC has a duty to act fairly and reasonably. What I didn’t see is how these allegations were addressed. Did the EC give all parties an opportunity to be heard?” she asked.

Mrs Kasser-Tee concluded by stressing the importance of fairness and consistency in the EC’s actions.

“When decisions are made fairly, people may not always agree, but they will respect them. The EC must ensure its processes are beyond reproach,” she said.

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There was no need for the EC to rush into re-collating…

Her comments follow the Supreme Court’s decision on Thursday, December 26, to quash the re-collated results for Tema Central, Ablekuma North, Techiman South, and Okaikwei Central in the 2024 parliamentary elections.

The apex court ruled that the trial judge had violated the NDC candidates’ right to a hearing at the High Court.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Mrs Kasser-Tee underscored the EC’s responsibility to handle allegations of irregularities impartially.

“The EC cannot dismiss allegations of duress and non-compliance outright, nor can they accept them wholesale. Upon the allegation being made, the EC has a duty to act fairly and reasonably,” she said on Saturday, December 28.

She reiterated that fairness required the EC to hear from all parties involved before making decisions.

“The persons the allegations have been made against must be given an opportunity to be heard. Fraud vitiates everything, but allegations of fraud do not. They must be established. What I didn’t see here is how those allegations were substantiated,” she noted.

The lecturer added that fairness in decision-making fosters respect, even when outcomes may not favour all parties.

“As an administrative body, treating everyone fairly and giving all sides an opportunity to be heard builds trust, even when people are unhappy with the decisions,” she stated.

The Supreme Court’s ruling, which does not affect the results for Ahafo Ano North and Nsawam Adoagyiri, also highlighted procedural flaws.

While invalidating the re-collation results, the court ordered that the mandamus application remain active and be reheard by a different judge on Tuesday, December 31.

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He described the Commission’s actions regarding the re-collation of contested results as hasty and procedurally flawed.

His comments follow the Supreme Court’s decision on Thursday, December 26, to unanimously quash re-collation results for Tema Central, Ablekuma North, Techiman South, and Okaikwei Central.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, December 28, Mr Barker-Vormawor questioned the EC’s urgency in re-collating disputed results, a move he believes undermines judicial processes.

“We don’t understand the rush, a rush that not only seems unnecessary but also offends law and procedure. You cannot disrespect the courts when there’s a pending application to stay; you can’t take any action,” he stated.

He further criticised the EC for filing an affidavit in court opposing the mandamus application while simultaneously moving forward to gazette results for the affected constituencies.

“These series of actions, for me, are something we need to look at. The liberty which the Electoral Commission continues to give itself in undermining judicial processes is really concerning, especially when trust in it is consistently low, and when people are continuing to question these actions,” he added.

The Supreme Court’s ruling, which does not affect the results for Ahafo Ano North and Nsawam Adoagyiri, found that the trial judge violated the NDC parliamentary candidates’ right to a hearing when they applied to the High Court.

The apex court also stressed that while the re-collated results were invalidated, the mandamus application remains active and must be heard by the High Court on Tuesday, December 31, under a different judge.

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Our confidence in the law has borne fruits – Ebi Bright…

The results of two constituencies are still outstanding and they are Ablekuma North and Dome Kwabenya constituencies.

This is because the re-collation of the results for the two constituencies have since been suspended due to incomplete results sheets (pink sheets) from some  polling stations.

At a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, Dr. Bossman Asare, the Deputy Chair of the Electoral Commission (EC) in charge of Corporate Services, announced that the Commission was in discussions with relevant stakeholders to set a date for the re-collation of results for the Ablekuma North and Dome Kwabenya constituencies.

He reassured the public that the results for these two constituencies would be finalized before the swearing-in of the 9th Parliament on January 7, 2025.

“We are hopeful that the two outstanding constituencies will have their Members of Parliament-elect very, very soon, way before the swearing-in in Parliament,” Dr Asare said.

The EC on Saturday, December 21, 2024, completed the collation of results for 7 outstanding constituencies whose declaration was in contention.

The constituencies are: Obuasi East, Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Tema Central, Ahafo Ano North, Okaikwei Central, Ahafo Ano South Constituency, and Techiman South.

However, the re-collation of results for Ablekuma North and Dome-Kwabenya constituencies were truncated over incomplete pink sheets.

Regarding the Ablekuma North constituency, the Electoral Commission (EC) stated that it was still awaiting the results from 37 polling stations before it could make a final decision.

In the case of Dome Kwabenya, the EC explained that the hard copies of pink sheets needed to verify the results for three polling stations were not provided by the political parties.

This led to the suspension of the re-collation process for the constituency.

Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy EC Chair, rejected criticisms that the re-collation exercise was illegal.

He clarified that the earlier declarations of results in the affected constituencies did not follow due process, as the Returning Officers were under duress when making the declarations.

Dr. Asare emphasized that the EC would not validate an illegal process, which was why the decision was made to re-collate the results for the constituencies in question.

“While the C.I.s are specific that you cannot re-collate after declarations, we want to state that those declarations should follow due process. Declarations that we do not re-collate are those that follow due process.

“The current ones are an illegality, and they cannot be upheld by the Commission,” he said.

Dr. Bossman Asare explained that the re-collation of results was not a new practice, citing examples from the 2004 elections where results from constituencies such as Zabzugu-Tatale, Tolon, Yapei-Kusawgu, and Pru were re-collated due to irregularities in the collation process.

In the December 7, 2024, elections, Ghanaians voted to elect Former President John Dramani Mahama as President, along with 276 Members of Parliament.

The newly elected President will be sworn into office on January 7, 2025.

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In a statement shared on X on December 25, 2024, Justice Srem-Sai clarified that the NDC’s Supreme Court challenge is based on a High Court ruling that nullified results in Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Tema Central, and Techiman South. This ruling led to a recollation and redeclaration of the results.

Justice Srem-Sai explained that, the crux of the NDC’s case lies in the principle of natural justice, which mandates that no court can make a final ruling adversely affecting a person without first giving them an opportunity to be heard.

“The fundamental rule of law is that a court cannot make a final decision which will adversely affect a person whom the court did not give an opportunity to present his or her side of the story,” he wrote.

According to Srem-Sai, the NDC’s contention is that Rev. Fr. Justice Joseph Agyemang, the High Court judge who presided over the case, violated this principle by annulling the initial declarations and ordering the recollation and redeclaration without hearing the parliamentary candidates from the affected constituencies, even though they were present in court with their lawyers.

Srem-Sai detailed how the NDC parliamentary candidates, upon learning of the case, immediately filed an application on December 20, 2024, requesting to be heard before any decision was made. However, their application was dismissed.

“Even though the NDC MPs and their lawyers were in the courtroom, the judge flatly refused to allow them to join the case, thereby refusing to hear their side of the story. He refused even though he knew very well that his decision would definitely affect them,” he stated.

The judge justified his decision by citing the upcoming Christmas break and the impending swearing-in of the next parliament.

Justice Srem-Sai concluded that the primary question before the Supreme Court is whether Rev. Fr. Justice Agyemang’s orders can stand, given that he refused to hear the NDC candidates’ side of the story before issuing rulings that directly impacted them.

The Supreme Court is expected to deliberate on the matter on Friday, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for the parliamentary composition and the broader electoral process.

Read his full statement below:

On Friday, December 27, the Supreme Court will hear and decide whether the High Court’s decision – which authorised the EC to re-collate the parliamentary election results for 6 constituencies – should stand.

The constituencies are (1) Okaikwei Central, (2) Ablekuma North, (3) Nsawam-Adoagyiri, (4) Tema Central, (5) Techiman South, and (6) Ahafo Ano North. Here are the facts leading to the Supreme Court case:

(1) Voting in the elections ended at 5pm on December 7. The election results for the constituencies were subsequently collated and declared, all in favour of the NDC parliamentary candidates.

(2) On December 17, the NPP parliamentary candidates for each of the constituencies filed separate applications at the High Court in Accra for an order directing the EC to re-collate the already collated and declared results.

(3) All the 6 cases were placed before one High Court judge, Rev Fr Justice Joseph Agyemang, in General Jurisdiction 13, in Accra.

(4) The fundamental rule of law is that a court cannot make a final decision which will adversely affect a person whom the court did not give an opportunity to to present his or her side of the story.

(5) Yet, none of the NDC MP candidates who contested in the elections in the 6 constituencies, and who were declared winners were made a party to any of the 6 NPP applications.

(6) The NDC MP candidates, however, got wind of the necodemus applications and immediately, on December 20, caused their lawyers to file an application in which they begged the High Court judge to allow them to be heard before he decides the case.

(7) Even though the NDC MPs and their lawyers were in the courtroom, the judge flatly refused to allow them to join the case, thereby refusing to hear their side of the story. He refused even though he knew very well that his decision will definitely affect them.

(8) In refusing to hear the NDC MP candidates, the Judge explained himself in each of his 6 rulings in the following words:

“[The NDC] Joinder Application at this stage should not operate as a setback on this [NPP] Application because of the urgent nature of the circumstances of this case.

The Court is going for the Christmas holidays and the Parliamentarians would be sworn-in in the first week of January, 2025. So it behoves on all of us to ensure that the Constituency in question be represented appropriately (sic)”.

So, the fundamental question before the Supreme Court on Friday is – whether Rev Fr Justice Agyemang’s orders should stand, considering that he refused to hear the NDC MPs’ side of the story before making final orders which affected them.

Merry Christmas 🎄.

This will rob the institution of the quality and institutional memory required to build a truly independent and assertive electoral body.

Everything in Ghana is political. This is good for the country because politics revolves around the judicious use of scarce state resources.

In his Politics, the Greek philosopher Aristotle believed that man was a “political animal” with the power of speech and moral reasoning. I was taught during a POLI 101 class in 2007 at the University of Ghana, Legon, that we all participate in politics in one way or another—what we buy, what we wear, the people we talk to, our daily discussions (in the bedroom or anywhere else), what we eat, the number of times we bathe, and the school we attend. These are all political acts. There is absolutely nothing wrong with anyone being political. Every sane and reasonable Ghanaian is political.

Every Ghanaian of voting age—pastors, students, electoral commission officers/officials, politicians—exercises their political rights every four years without any restriction or hindrance. Who do they vote for? I am not interested in that.

Who did the Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Jean Mensa, vote for when she participated in the Special Voting Exercise at La-Dadekotopon in the Greater Accra region on Dec. 2, 2024? This article is not interested in that. What is important is that, like other voters on the electoral roll, the EC boss voted for somebody on election day.

Let it not be said that because one occupies a position of trust or position in a public institution deemed independent means, he should not exercise his democratic rights – the right to vote and the freedom of speech, among others.

However, such a person should not engage in partisan discussions and activities undermining the independence, existence, or credibility of the institution he works with. No one is more Ghanaian than anyone, but some people love Ghana more than others. When you discharge your public duties as a political appointee or public/civil servant dispassionately without partisan consideration, you can be said to love Ghana more than others.

We must deplore in strong terms the endless and bottomless partisan drama, party-line gridlock between the two dominant political parties – the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) – and their ideological mendacity.

This is what many Ghanaians who label themselves as apolitical are running away from and not politics. However, others run away from political responsibilities by finding comfort in the word apolitical.

When a person in an independent public institution engages in partisan acts, the solution does not lie in removing him by political power. This only serves the political party in power, not Ghanaians. The removal of the then EC boss, Charlotte Osei, and her deputies, Amadu Sulley and Georgina Opoku Amankwaa, over allegations of corruption and misconduct advanced the selfish interest of President Nana Akufo-Addo and the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), not Ghanaians. Mrs. Osei’s removal was a political decision motivated by allegations of partisanship against her. It is important to note that Mrs Osei was found to have breached the Public Procurement Act in her engagement with certain firms, but this should not have warranted her dismissal. Her dismissal was a partisan decision, and President Nana Akufo-Addo must be blamed.

I see a similar scenario playing out after President-Elect John Dramani Mahama takes the Oath of Office on Jan. 7, 2025. Some NDC members are already calling for the dismissal of EC boss Jean Mensa and her deputies. If you suspect that Jean Mensa and her deputies are unnecessarily partisan, the solution does not lie in sacking them under the pretext of corruption or other related allegations. This is not the best way to strengthen and fortify independent public institutions in the country.

Political power is not always the solution to resolve this problem. Where there are egregious breaches of the procurement law, money paid under any contract must be retrieved lawfully. This is done to other public institutions. Why not the Electoral Commission? Also, where acts of corruption or related offenses are spotted at the Commission, the law must be seen to work.

The Electoral Commission is an important institution in Ghana’s democratic framework, and we must be interested in its growth and development. Rather than sacking Jean Mensa and her deputies as was unfortunately done to Charlotte Osei and her deputies, we need to help the Commission reform its processes to deliver its constitutional mandate in a non-partisan political manner.

Source: A. Kwabena Brakopowers

The author, A. Kwabena Brakopowers, is a private legal practitioner, a researcher on AI and synthetic media, a journalist, and a development communication practitioner who draws on his deep expertise in fact-checking and researching deepfakes and generative AI to help organisations navigate the opportunities and risks these game-changing technologies present. You can reach him at Brakomen@outlook.com.

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