The Deputy Director of Research at the Electoral Commission (EC), Fred Tetteh, has attributed the challenges that necessitated the re-collation of parliamentary results in several constituencies to widespread acts of lawlessness perpetrated by political parties and their supporters. These incidents, he noted, significantly disrupted the electoral process and prevented the commission from completing its work in the affected areas.
The constituencies impacted by these disruptions included Nsawam Adoagyiri, Ahafo Ano South West, Ahafo Ano North, Obuasi East, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, Techiman South, and Dome Kwabenya. The re-collation exercise became necessary after irregularities and disputes arose over the initial results in these areas.
Speaking on the “Big Issues” programme aired on Channel One TV on Saturday, December 21, 2024, Fred Tetteh expressed deep concern over the incidents that marred the electoral process in these constituencies. He described the disruptions as a direct consequence of indiscipline and lawlessness, which hindered the smooth execution of the EC’s mandate.
Tetteh elaborated on the nature of the disruptions, highlighting instances of supporters and candidates storming collation centers, intimidating EC officials, and obstructing the collation of results. He stated that such behavior not only undermines the credibility of the electoral process but also erodes public trust in democratic institutions.
“When you look at what is happening and what has happened, specifically in those 12 constituencies, it is just an issue of lawlessness, rampaging, besieging, and preventing our people from going on with their work. Supporters, candidates, and what have you, came in to disrupt the process, which has led to this situation,” Tetteh remarked during the discussion.
The Deputy Director of Research further emphasized the need for political parties to take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters. He called for stricter adherence to electoral laws and urged political leaders to ensure discipline within their ranks to prevent such disruptions in future elections.
He also appealed to law enforcement agencies to take swift and decisive action against individuals who engage in unlawful activities during elections. According to Tetteh, a zero-tolerance approach to electoral violence and misconduct is crucial to safeguarding the integrity of the democratic process.
The re-collation of results in the affected constituencies was necessitated by disputes over the accuracy of the initial figures and allegations of irregularities. In some instances, collation centers were stormed by agitated party supporters, resulting in the destruction of electoral materials and physical confrontations. These incidents delayed the announcement of results and fueled tensions between opposing political parties.
The situation in Dome Kwabenya, for instance, saw the EC suspending the collation process after pink sheets from three polling stations went missing. Both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were unable to provide copies of these documents, further complicating the situation. The NPP later alleged that the missing documents had been destroyed during an attack by a mob reportedly linked to the NDC.
Similarly, in Okaikwei Central, a re-collation exercise was conducted at the EC’s Greater Accra Regional Office after irregularities were identified in the initial results. The process eventually declared Patrick Yaw Boamah of the NPP as the winner, overturning an earlier declaration in favor of the NDC’s Baba Sadiq.
Fred Tetteh’s comments have sparked conversations about the broader implications of electoral disruptions for Ghana’s democratic process. Observers have noted that the incidents in the affected constituencies reflect a worrying trend of increasing tensions and confrontations during elections.
Many stakeholders have called for a comprehensive review of the electoral process to address vulnerabilities and ensure that such disruptions do not occur in future elections. Suggestions include enhanced training for electoral officials, stricter enforcement of electoral laws, and increased security presence at collation centers to deter acts of violence and intimidation.
Political analysts have also underscored the need for civic education to promote a culture of tolerance and respect for democratic processes among voters. They argue that fostering a better understanding of the electoral process and the role of political parties can help reduce the likelihood of confrontations and disputes.
Despite the challenges, the Electoral Commission has been commended for its efforts to address the issues in the affected constituencies through transparent and impartial re-collation exercises. The commission’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process has been lauded by many, even as calls for further reforms continue to grow.
As Ghana’s democracy matures, the incidents surrounding the 2024 parliamentary elections serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability at every stage of the electoral process. Stakeholders across the political spectrum must work together to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure that elections remain a peaceful and credible means of choosing leaders.
Fred Tetteh’s remarks highlight the importance of addressing the root causes of disruptions in the electoral process and ensuring that the principles of fairness, transparency, and order are upheld in future elections. The events of December 2024 will undoubtedly serve as a reference point for reforms aimed at strengthening Ghana’s electoral system and safeguarding its democratic values.
