The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has addressed public concerns regarding a breach of protocol involving the transportation of election materials in the Afadjato South District of the Volta Region. A District Electoral Officer deviated from established procedure by transporting materials in a private vehicle without the requisite police escort. This action prompted an immediate response from the Ghana Police Service, who questioned the officer and secured the election materials for safekeeping. The EC has publicly acknowledged the incident and assured the public that it is taking the matter seriously. While the officer’s actions represent a clear violation of established EC policy, the Commission maintains that the integrity of the Afadjato South election remains uncompromised.
The EC’s established policy mandates the use of official vehicles for the transportation of all election materials, accompanied by a police escort when deemed necessary. This protocol is designed to ensure the security and integrity of the electoral process, preventing any potential tampering or interference with sensitive materials. The deviation from this established procedure by the District Electoral Officer raised concerns about potential vulnerabilities in the electoral process and prompted the swift intervention of the police. The EC’s immediate acknowledgement of the incident and its commitment to a thorough investigation underscore the Commission’s dedication to transparency and accountability.
The EC has initiated internal investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the officer’s decision to deviate from protocol. This internal review will examine the officer’s actions, motivations, and any potential contributing factors that led to the breach. Concurrently, the EC has pledged full cooperation with the Ghana Police Service in their independent investigation of the incident. This collaborative approach aims to ensure a comprehensive and impartial assessment of the situation, leading to appropriate action and preventative measures.
While the breach of protocol is a matter of concern, the EC has emphatically stated that the incident will not affect the credibility or outcome of the election in the Afadjato South Constituency. Samuel Tettey, the Deputy Chairman of Operations, reiterated the Commission’s stance that the officer’s actions, while a violation of policy, do not pose a threat to the integrity of the election. This assertion is based on the swift action taken by the police to secure the materials and the EC’s ongoing investigation to ascertain the full scope of the incident and ensure that no compromise occurred.
The EC’s commitment to transparent, free, and fair elections underscores the importance it places on maintaining public trust in the electoral process. This commitment extends to holding individuals accountable for any actions that deviate from established procedures, regardless of their ultimate impact on the election outcome. The prompt response to the incident in Afadjato South and the subsequent assurances provided to the public demonstrate the EC’s proactive approach to addressing concerns and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
The EC has appealed to all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and the general public, to remain calm and patient as investigations unfold. The Commission has pledged to implement measures to address the situation and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This may involve reviewing existing protocols, reinforcing training for electoral officers, and strengthening communication channels to ensure that all personnel are fully aware of and adhere to established procedures. The EC’s commitment to continuous improvement and its proactive engagement with stakeholders aim to bolster public confidence and ensure the continued integrity of Ghana’s electoral process.
