Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Special Aide to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate John Dramani Mahama, has issued a scathing critique of the Electoral Commission (EC) following reports of ballot paper shortages in parts of the Volta Region. The affected constituencies include Keta, Ketu North, Ho Central, Hohoe, and Ho West.
The shortages, which were confirmed by the Electoral Commission on November 28, have sparked widespread concern and speculation about the preparedness of the EC ahead of the upcoming December general elections. Addressing the issue during a press briefing on November 29, the EC explained that the problem was not unique to the Volta Region, emphasizing that it was actively working to manage the situation.
Despite the EC’s assurances, Bawah Mogtari strongly criticized the Commission, describing the shortages as a glaring example of inefficiency and a potential threat to the integrity of the electoral process. She questioned the EC’s ability to conduct a seamless election, suggesting that the issue could reflect deeper systemic problems within the institution.
“This is not the first time we’ve pointed out that the Electoral Commission is not up to the task. They are not acting like an independent body. We’ve always suspected this because so many partisans are parading as commissioners. I’m happy these mistakes have been noticed, as they highlight the EC’s incompetence,” she stated during the Legal Green Forum for law students and legal practitioners.
Bawah Mogtari went on to raise concerns about the printing of ballot papers, alleging irregularities that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process. “Even at the printing houses, we are being told they are printing more than they need. The beauty of this is that we are now very vigilant. Every step of the way, we’ve worked hard to expose the EC’s biases and incompetence,” she asserted.
The shortages have become a focal point in ongoing debates about the EC’s preparedness and transparency. Critics have argued that such lapses could erode public trust in the electoral process, particularly in regions like the Volta Region, which has traditionally been a stronghold for the NDC. The timing of the issue, just weeks before the elections, has heightened tensions and led to calls for greater accountability from the Commission.
For her part, Bawah Mogtari emphasized the NDC’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the elections. She assured supporters that the party has taken proactive steps to ensure that every ballot is accounted for and protected from potential irregularities. “This is an election the NDC is supposed to win. Ghanaians are yearning for change, and we will ensure that every ballot is protected. Our polling agents have been accurately trained, and we are poised for victory,” she said.
Her remarks reflect the broader concerns of the NDC regarding the neutrality and efficiency of the Electoral Commission under its current leadership. The party has, on numerous occasions, accused the EC of partisanship and inefficiency, claims that have fueled tensions between the Commission and opposition parties.
The EC’s clarification that the shortages are not limited to the Volta Region has done little to quell the criticism. Many stakeholders have called for an independent review of the situation to identify the root causes and prevent similar issues from arising on election day. Transparency and accountability, they argue, are crucial to maintaining public trust in the electoral process.
As the December elections approach, the NDC has ramped up its efforts to highlight what it perceives as flaws in the electoral process. The party has consistently emphasized the importance of vigilance at every stage of the elections, from the printing of ballot papers to the counting of votes. Bawah Mogtari’s comments underscore the NDC’s determination to ensure that the will of the people is respected and that any attempts to undermine the electoral process are exposed and addressed.
The ballot paper shortages have also drawn reactions from civil society organizations and political analysts, many of whom have called for a comprehensive review of the EC’s operations. Some have suggested that the shortages could have been prevented with better planning and coordination, while others have questioned whether the issue points to deeper structural challenges within the Commission.
In her remarks, Bawah Mogtari stressed the importance of a transparent and accountable electoral process, particularly in a democracy where free and fair elections are a cornerstone of governance. She called on the Electoral Commission to address the shortages promptly and to take concrete steps to restore public confidence in its operations.
“This is a critical moment for our democracy. The EC has a responsibility to ensure that every aspect of the electoral process is conducted with the highest level of integrity. Ghanaians deserve nothing less,” she said.
The NDC’s critique of the EC comes amid growing anticipation for the December elections, which many observers believe will be a defining moment in Ghana’s political history. With the stakes high and public scrutiny intensifying, the EC faces significant pressure to demonstrate its competence and impartiality in overseeing the electoral process.
As the debate continues, the NDC has reaffirmed its readiness to participate in the elections and to protect the votes of Ghanaians. The party’s leadership has urged supporters to remain vigilant and to report any irregularities they encounter during the electoral process.
Bawah Mogtari’s comments serve as a rallying cry for the NDC’s supporters, highlighting the party’s determination to hold the Electoral Commission accountable and to ensure that the will of the people is reflected in the outcome of the elections. Her critique of the EC underscores the broader challenges facing Ghana’s electoral system and the urgent need for reforms to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
