In a move to promote transparency and orderliness during general elections, the Beverage Consumers and Bar Owners Association of Ghana has issued a directive urging all bar owners and bartenders to close their establishments from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day.

The directive is intended to discourage alcohol consumption before voting, which the group believes could lead to impaired judgment, unruly behaviour, and an increased number of rejected ballots at polling stations.

In a statement signed by its president, Moses Onyah, the association stressed the importance of maintaining a peaceful and focused environment during the election process.

"As part of our responsibility in ensuring a transparent and peaceful environment ahead of the 7th
December elections, we the beverage consumers and bar owners of Ghana would like to caution all
bar owners and bartenders not to open their spots, pubs, bars or blue kiosks to the public from 6 AM
to 6 PM on the 7th of December 2024.

"This directive is to ensure that consumers do not get themselves drunk before going to the polls to avoid the counting of rejected ballots and also ensure sanity at the various polling stations during the election processes," portions of the statement read.

The group also appealed to bar owners and consumers to support the initiative to ensure a transparent and peaceful election.