The Electoral Commission (EC) has provided a detailed update on challenges hampering the collation of results in nine constituencies following the 2024 general elections.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, December 19, the Commission’s Chairperson Jean Mensa highlighted instances of violence, intimidation, and destruction that derailed the collation process. She called for decisive intervention from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and President-elect John Dramani Mahama to resolve the impasse.
Reasons Behind Delayed Collation
Jean Mensa disclosed that disruptions at collation centres were the result of directives by some political leaders urging supporters to storm the centres.
As you may be aware, at the close of polls on Saturday, 7 December 2024, some political party leaders instructed their supporters to besiege the collation centres where proceedings were ongoing. This directive resulted in chaos, with supporters destroying essential documents such as pink sheets, results collation forms, and even electronic equipment used for collation, she stated.
The EC Chairperson detailed how these actions brought collation to a halt in affected constituencies.
In addition to vandalising property, these individuals attacked our staff, issuing death threats and physically assaulting them. These incidents forced us to suspend collation at several centres, Mensa added.
She clarified that collation had initially been proceeding in accordance with CI 127, the legal framework governing Ghana’s electoral processes.
Specific Constituencies Affected
Jean Mensa provided examples of the disruptions:
In Okaikwei Central, results from 31 polling stations were excluded when a winner was declared under duress.
In Ablekuma North, collation was abandoned, and results from 62 polling stations were omitted.
In Tema Central, only 146 out of 148 polling station results were used to declare a winner after threats to staff.
In Bono East, election staff were assaulted and forced to re-declare incomplete results at gunpoint.
In Obuasi East, the returning officer was threatened with an axe and forced to announce results contrary to those recorded on the collation forms.
In Dome Kwabenya, discrepancies in results from three polling stations remain unresolved, delaying the conclusion of collation.
These declarations, made under threat and intimidation, are unacceptable and illegal. The Commission will not validate results that do not reflect the will of the people as expressed on the pink sheets, Mensa stressed.
Attempts to Relocate Collation Centres
Jean Mensa recounted how the EC sought to relocate collation centres to more secure locations. Initial efforts to use the Tesano Police Depot succeeded in completing results for three constituencies: Akwatia, Fanteakwa North, and Suhum. However, planned collation for other constituencies was thwarted by security threats.
Though our staff were present and ready to proceed, the Ghana Police Service advised us to suspend collation due to planned unrest by party supporters, Mensa revealed.
Further attempts on 13 December were similarly disrupted despite assurances of police protection.
Staff Intimidation and Courage
Jean Mensa shared harrowing accounts of intimidation faced by EC staff, including threats, physical assaults, and forced declarations under duress.
Our staff have demonstrated exceptional courage and dedication despite the threats they have faced. Their determination to uphold the integrity of the process is commendable, she said.
Call for Presidential Intervention
To resolve the stalemate, Jean Mensa called on both the outgoing and incoming Presidents to step in.
We humbly call on the President of Ghana and the President-elect to intervene and ensure that the Commission is provided with the necessary security to complete the collation process, she appealed.
Mensa also urged the National Election Security Task Force to enhance security at designated collation centres.
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