The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) of printing fake ballot papers to be used in the December 7 elections, with the intention of claiming victory.

In a press statement announcing a three-day tour of the Western Region by the NDC flagbearer, John Mahama, the party claimed to have credible information about the alleged fake ballot papers.

Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Campaign Spokesperson for John Mahama, who signed the press statement, said, "We have credible information about the illicit printing of fake ballot papers by the NPP and the Bawumia campaign, which is intended to undermine the electoral process."

The statement further alleged that the NPP plans to intimidate voters in NDC strongholds: “We are aware of attempts by the ruling party to manipulate the elections by intimidating voters and polling agents in our strongholds so that they can introduce already thumb-printed ballots.”

The NDC made it clear that they will not tolerate such actions during the election process: "We want to be clear: the NDC will not countenance any attempts to undermine the will of the people of Ghana and will not stand by idly or allow any attempts to disrupt our nascent democracy. We are prepared and will forcefully resist any attempts at electoral manipulation as planned by the NPP and Bawumia campaign."

The party also urged the Electoral Commission, the President, and his Vice President to act with integrity to ensure a free and fair election.

“We repeat our call on the Electoral Commission, President Nana Akufo-Addo, and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to act with integrity and ensure a free and fair election process, without intimidation or vote tampering.”

In the statement, Joyce Bawa Mogtari also called on Ghanaians to participate in the election without fear or intimidation: “We remind all Ghanaians that the power is in your hands. Your voice matters, and together, we will ensure that each and every vote counts.”

Recently, the Electoral Commission discovered errors in the serialisation of ballot papers printed for the Volta and Ahafo regions and subsequently destroyed the affected papers.

This issue has led to speculation within the NDC that the error was an attempt by the NPP to rig the election.