As Ghana approaches its December 7 general elections, Bawku remains a focal point for the Electoral Commission (EC) due to its history of tensions and unique challenges.

Dr Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairman of the EC in charge of Corporate Services, addressed these concerns during an interview on Joy News’ PM Express on November 19.

Reflecting on voter registration in Bawku, Dr. Asare acknowledged past difficulties but expressed satisfaction with the relative calm observed during the 2024 registration process.

“In 2023, we had some challenges during registration,” he admitted.

“But in 2024, the place was generally very, very peaceful. We didn’t hear of any skirmishes.”

He expressed optimism that this improved situation would persist during the elections.

“We expect that by the time of the elections, the powers that be will engage the people of Bawku for them to understand the importance of the elections,” Dr Asare noted.

The EC’s efforts in Bawku extend beyond the central constituency, with surrounding areas such as Bawku West, Pusiga, and others also included in preparations.

“Almost four or five constituencies are involved,” he said, stating that the regional scope of the electoral process in the area.

Dr. Asare stressed the critical role of collaboration between stakeholders to ensure peaceful elections.

“We expect that the government and all political parties will work together to ensure peace prevails,” he said.

“Without that, we can’t send our men and women to work as polling officials.”

The EC, he added, is actively engaging with security agencies to monitor the situation in Bawku and assess the feasibility of holding elections.

“We are still working with them. Once we get feedback that it will not be appropriate to go on with the elections there, the Commission will act accordingly to ensure peace prevails,” he explained.

While hopeful, the EC is prepared to make difficult decisions if necessary.

“The Commission will listen to security advice and act in a manner that ensures the safety of all involved,” Dr. Asare said.

He acknowledged the difficulty of recruiting polling officials for areas where their safety cannot be guaranteed.

“So far, nothing contrary has come to us. We’ve started training at the regional level, and we’ve not received any indications of a problem in Bawku or any other region,” he stated.

However, the EC remains vigilant and open to reevaluating plans if credible evidence suggests that elections cannot proceed safely.

Unlike typical election hotspots characterized by localized incidents at polling stations, the situation in Bawku represents a larger-scale challenge.

“The Bawku issue happens to be so unique because it’s not like the typical election hotspot where people come to polling stations to misbehave,” Dr Asare explained.

“This is a whole community - a very big commercial centre - being involved. It’s not a minor skirmish; it’s a major one.”

He acknowledged that while other potential hotspots exist, Bawku remains the most prominent due to the scale and complexity of the conflict.

Despite the challenges, the EC remains committed to ensuring that every eligible voter in Bawku and its surrounding constituencies has the opportunity to participate in the elections.

“We believe that everything will be done very well and successfully,” Dr. Asare assured.

“But if contrary information comes to us, backed by strong evidence, the Commission will act decisively.”