EC to Reassess Decision on Presidential Ballot Printing Next Week.

ACCRA: The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced plans to review its previous decision to suspend the printing of ballot papers for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. This decision comes in the wake of the passing of Madam Akua Donkor, the Flagbearer of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), on October 28, 2024, which led to the initial suspension. According to Ghana News Agency, the Commission has provided the GFP with a ten-day window to nominate a new flagbearer, as stipulated by Article 50 (4) of the 1992 Constitution. Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairman in charge of Corporate Services at the EC, confirmed during a media briefing that the Commission would revisit the ballot printing decision next week. He noted that while the printing of parliamentary ballots is currently in progress, the presidential ballots remain on hold. The briefing followed a tour of three ballot printing facilities in Accra, aimed at providing transparency and building public trust in the electoral process. The facilities visited included Buck Press in Ofankor, Innolink in the North Industrial Area, and Acts Commercials Limited in Darkuman, each responsible for printing ballots for different regions. Dr. Asare reassured the public about the transparency of the ballot printing process, dismissing allegations of overprinting as false. He emphasized that all political parties, including independent candidates, are actively involved in the process to ensure accountability. Mr. Benjamin Bano-Bioh, Director of Electoral Services at the EC, highlighted the Commission's commitment to a transparent electoral process. He noted that the EC is among the few election management bodies in the region that prints ballots locally, showcasing its operational capabilities. Dr. Francis Nyanin, Executive Director of Buck Press, assured that the company is diligently working to meet the printing deadlines, further emphasizing the collaborative efforts between the EC and political party agents to maintain transparency and integrity in the electoral proce ss.