Journalists Invited to Oversee Ballot Printing for 2024 Elections

In a bid to enhance transparency and foster public trust, the Electoral Commission (EC) has invited journalists to observe the ballot printing process at three of the six designated facilities responsible for producing both presidential and parliamentary ballots for the upcoming December 7 elections.

The selected printers include Inolink Printing Limited, Buck Press, and Acts Commercial.

Dr. Benjamin Bannor-Bio, the EC’s Director of Electoral Services, noted that currently, only parliamentary ballots are being printed, as the printing of presidential ballots is on hold for ten days following the recent passing of Akua Donkor, the Ghana Freedom Party’s candidate.

He emphasized that the printing process is conducted openly, with representatives from political parties present at every stage to verify crucial details like serial numbers and the specific quantities allocated to each constituency.

“When we talk about transparency and accountability, we mean it. The Electoral Commission of Ghana stands out as one of the few electoral bodies in the region that prints its own ballots, and Buck Press is a key partner in this endeavor.

For the 2024 general elections, Buck Press is handling the printing for four regions: Ashanti, Oti, Savanna, and Central,” he stated.

Dr. Bannor-Bio reassured the public that ballot printing is not shrouded in secrecy.

“We invite scrutiny; political party agents are involved at every level, ensuring that everything is done correctly. They verify serial numbers and quantities for each constituency and document all details, along with adding their own seals alongside the electoral commission’s,” he explained. “This process is entirely transparent.”