Political scientist at the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana, Prof Micheal Kpessa-Whyte has raised concerns about the Electoral Commission's (EC) preparedness and transparency ahead of the upcoming elections.

He alleged that the EC might have recruited members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to manage critical roles at polling stations, a move he claims could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.

In an interview on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, Prof Kpessa-Whyte criticised the EC for not publicly disclosing the individuals it has recruited to oversee election activities at polling stations nationwide.

With less than a week to the polls, he stated that such information should have been made available to political parties and the public to ensure accountability.

“We are seven or six days to the election, if I'm not mistaken, and the political parties have no sense of the individuals. This is important because there are suspicions that some individuals who are holding executive positions in some of the political parties, particularly in the NPP, may have been recruited to serve as the individuals who may either be issuing ballots or be doing the inking or maybe checking the names in the register and so on," he claimed.

Mr Kpessa-Whyte also questioned the EC’s logistical readiness, particularly regarding the distribution of election materials and the functionality of biometric verification devices (BVDs).

“For instance, in Asawase, which has 215 polling stations, they require 430 biometric devices, assuming two per station. Yet, only 401 have been delivered. The EC says, ‘we will manage,’ but such an approach could lead to delays, long queues, and possibly disenfranchise voters who may walk away,” he explained.

He urged the EC to address these concerns promptly to enhance public confidence in the electoral process.

This includes publishing the list of polling station staff, providing detailed information on the distribution and functionality of election materials, and ensuring adequate preparations to avoid operational disruptions on Election Day.

"It is important, particularly in the interest of free and fair elections that these things are cleared up, if there are any things of that nature. And in fact, it is in the interest of the EC that these things are done much better to enhance its image.”