In a groundbreaking move to ensure the transparency and credibility of the upcoming 2020 general elections, the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has partnered with technology firm SnooCODE to provide comprehensive training for over 900 returning officers on an innovative electoral verification system.

This initiative hailed as the first of its kind in West Africa, leverages advanced technology to enhance election monitoring, reduce fraud, and bolster public confidence in the electoral process.

The partnership involves the deployment of SnooCODE’s cutting-edge smartphone application, which enables geo-tagged and time-stamped photo documentation of polling station results, real-time detection of voting irregularities, and secure offline data storage for synchronization when internet access becomes available. The EC’s Public Relations Officer, Madam Sylvia Annoh, emphasized the significance of this initiative in revolutionizing electoral processes in Ghana.

“This partnership marks a new era in election management. SnooCODE’s technology ensures that every vote counts and is transparently accounted for. It is an innovative solution that sets Ghana apart as a trailblazer in the region, enhancing public trust in our electoral system,” Madam Annoh stated.

SnooCODE’s leadership echoed these sentiments, underscoring the project’s transformative impact on election transparency. Mr. Michael Osei, Chief Technology Officer at SnooCODE, noted, “This collaboration is a testament to Ghana’s commitment to strengthening democracy through technology. Our system is designed to eliminate doubts and provide verifiable election results at every polling station. This is the future of elections in Africa, and we are proud to pioneer it here in Ghana.”

As the Nationwide Training Coordinator for the initiative, Mr. Edem Fiatsonu expressed confidence in the success of the exercise. According to him, the training, which is currently underway, has been progressing smoothly and is on track to cover all 35,000 polling stations ahead of the elections.

“The enthusiasm and commitment displayed by the returning officers have been remarkable. With over 900 officers already trained, we are moving at a faster pace than anticipated. Our goal is to ensure that every polling station is equipped with personnel who can independently verify and record votes accurately. This will significantly reduce the chances of electoral fraud and reinforce trust in the process,” Mr Fiatsonu said.

The innovative system is expected to reduce reported incidents of electoral fraud by at least 45%, providing a level of transparency and accountability previously unseen in the region. Observers, civil society organizations, and political stakeholders have lauded the EC’s initiative as a major step towards deepening Ghana’s democracy.

The nationwide training exercise is scheduled to conclude by mid-November, ensuring that all polling stations are prepared for seamless deployment of the new system during the December elections. With this initiative, Ghana is set to demonstrate how technology can drive credibility and inclusivity in electoral processes, positioning itself as a beacon of democratic integrity in West Africa.