The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has urged the Electoral Commission (EC) not to dismiss concerns regarding ballot paper shortages in the Volta Region. 

Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the NDC’s Director of Elections and IT, emphasised that the root cause of the shortage must be thoroughly investigated and addressed. 

He stressed that this is crucial to prevent a recurrence as the country prepares for the upcoming general elections on 7th December.

Dr Boamah’s comments come in response to the EC’s notice that ballot paper shortages had been identified in five constituencies within the Volta Region. 

The shortage has raised concerns among stakeholders about the potential implications for the electoral process and voter confidence in the region. 

Dr Boamah insisted that transparency in addressing these issues is essential for maintaining trust in the electoral system.

In response to the situation, the Electoral Commission announced that it has already taken steps to rectify the issue by commencing the printing of additional ballot papers. 

The EC assured the public that the new batch of ballot papers will be distributed promptly to ensure that all affected constituencies are adequately supplied ahead of the elections.

The NDC, however, remains vigilant and is calling for a thorough examination of the circumstances that led to the shortages. 

Dr Boamah in a a Facebook post on Friday, November 29, reiterated that ensuring a seamless and credible electoral process is paramount, and addressing these challenges proactively will help uphold the integrity of the December elections.

“The brief from our team makes it abundantly clear that the Electoral Commission of Ghana has committed another avoidable error. Our agents make it clear to us that the ballot statistics submitted to Act Commercial (printhouse) were complied with.”

“This being the case, we call on the Electoral Commission not to sweep the cause of this avoidable error under the carpet. That Volta region, our stronghold, is experiencing such avoidable errors in series is not lost on us.”

“The Electoral Commission must explain to Ghanaians how the shortfall occurred,” he posted.