The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, says candidates who did not qualify to contest in the upcoming 2024 presidential elections will have their filing fees refunded to them.

This was after the Commission officially approved 13 candidates to contest.

After what it said was a thorough vetting process, the EC's approved candidates include individuals from a range of political backgrounds, including candidates from major parties and several independents. 

Those disqualified include Bernard Mornah, Desmond Kwame Abrefa, Nana Stephens Agyapong, Dr Paul Perko, Mr James Kwasi Oppong, Dr Sam Ankrah, Dr Nii Amu Darko, Samuel Apea-Danquah all independent candidates.

• Read also: EC approves 13 presidential aspirants for 2024 elections

The rest are; Kofi Asamoah-Siaw of the Progressive People's Party (PNP) and Janet Asana Nabla of the People's National Party (PNP) while Dr John Kpikpi of the Progressive Alliance Ghana withdrew his nomination after filing.

According to the EC, additional time was offered to individuals who had mistakes in their nomination forms to correct them.

EC boss, Jean Mensa, said that while some candidates took the time to rectify their mistakes, others returned the forms with the same or similar mistakes.

As such, she said the commission has been fair and transparent in dealing with presidential aspirants.

 “As in 2020, the presidential candidates were given a five day period for the filing process. This allowed enough time for aspirants to correct any errors identified in their forms. All in all, these eliminate the confusion and tension that characterised previous nomination processes prior to 2020."

“To the aspiring presidential candidates who did not make this process, we wish you better luck next time. Your filing fee will be refunded to you,” she said.