The Electoral Commission has rejected allegations that it sneaked out 10 Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) for recycling at a loss to the state.

In a statement clarifying issues around the said BVDs on Friday, April 26, the Commission explained that the 10 Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) found at a recycling company in Madina, Accra, were obsolete devices that had been legally auctioned.

It said the obsolete BVDs were acquired before the 2012 elections and were used by the current Commission for the 2019 District Level Elections (DLE).

It added that the previous administration had intended to repair the obsolete devices for the 2018 referendum and the 2019 District Level Elections, against the advice given by the managers of the Commission’s Biometric Infrastructure that the equipment was obsolete and no longer useful.

It said the current Commission rather cancelled the refurbishment plan and opted for the procurement of new gear.

In a bid to ensure the prudent use of resources and the integrity of the electoral process, the Commission noted that it chose to replace the obsolete 2012 equipment with new equipment and infrastructure, saving the state millions of cedis in the process.

It thus rejected any claims of wrongdoing, insisting the said devices were auctioned transparently with the proceeds duly deposited in the Consolidated Fund.

The Commission also condemned the civil society group IMANI Africa for some allegations and commentary made by one of its officials, Bright Simons on this matter.

The Commission called out IMANI Africa and Mr Bright Simons for misinforming the public.