The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has publicly censured the National Elections Security Taskforce for its perceived failure to adequately protect EC personnel during the crucial post-election phase of collating and declaring parliamentary results for nine constituencies following the December 7th general elections. These constituencies, identified as Nsawam Adoagyiri, Ahafo Ano South West, Ahafo Ano North, Obuasi East, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, Techiman South, and Dome Kwabenya, became focal points of contention due to irregularities and security concerns surrounding the collation process. The EC alleges that unauthorized collations were conducted at the constituency level in some of these areas, necessitating a re-collation exercise at the national level to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the electoral outcomes.
This re-collation exercise, initiated at the Tesano Police Training School in Accra, aimed to rectify the discrepancies and establish the legitimate election results. However, the process was abruptly suspended due to what the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, described as a serious deficiency in security provisions for EC staff. This suspension underscores the escalating tensions and security challenges that marred the post-election period, highlighting the vulnerability of electoral officials tasked with managing this sensitive process. The insufficient security measures created an environment where the integrity of the re-collation exercise itself was threatened, hindering the EC’s ability to finalize the results in a transparent and credible manner.
At a press conference convened to address the unfolding situation, Jean Mensa expressed profound concern over the lack of effective security arrangements to safeguard EC personnel against intimidation and undue influence. She pointed to disturbing visual evidence, broadcast on television, depicting EC staff facing threats and coercion to declare results based on incomplete collation processes. This alarming revelation underscored the gravity of the security lapse and its potential impact on the fairness and transparency of the electoral process. The fact that these incidents transpired despite the presence of police personnel at the collation centers further amplified the EC’s concerns about the effectiveness of the security measures deployed.
The EC Chairperson’s statement explicitly highlighted the failure of the security apparatus to prevent partisan interference in the collation process. Despite police presence, supporters of political parties reportedly gained access to collation centers, disrupting proceedings and creating an atmosphere of intimidation. This breach of security protocols not only compromised the integrity of the collation exercise but also placed EC staff at risk. The inability of security personnel to effectively manage the situation and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive areas raised serious questions about the adequacy of the security plan and the effectiveness of its implementation.
The EC’s criticism of the National Elections Security Taskforce underscores a critical vulnerability in the electoral process: the need for a robust and impartial security apparatus to protect the integrity of elections and the safety of election officials. The incidents at the collation centers highlight the potential for political interference and intimidation to undermine the democratic process if security measures are inadequate or ineffectively enforced. The EC’s call for enhanced security measures serves as a stark reminder that free and fair elections require not only transparent procedures but also a secure environment where electoral officials can perform their duties without fear or favor.
The suspension of the re-collation exercise and the EC’s public condemnation of the security situation cast a shadow over the conclusion of Ghana’s 2020 elections. The incidents at the collation centers underscore the importance of proactive security planning and the need for a robust security apparatus capable of effectively managing potential disruptions and ensuring the safety of electoral personnel. The events surrounding the collation of results in these nine constituencies serve as a crucial lesson for future elections, highlighting the need for continuous improvement in security protocols and the reinforcement of the principles of impartiality and transparency in the electoral process. Ensuring the safety and security of electoral officials is paramount to preserving the integrity and credibility of democratic elections.
