By Ebi Kesiena
An electoral officer has been arrested in the Kintampo South constituency of the Bono East Region for alleged electoral offences.
The official, identified as Dery Joseph, reportedly issued presidential ballots that excluded the NPP presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
He is accused of tearing off Dr Bawumia’s image on 15 ballots and distributing them to voters. The misconduct was discovered at the Ampesika-Bayere polling station after voters alerted the police, leading to the official’s arrest.
The Electoral Commission has pledged full cooperation with the police to address the situation. It also issued a stern warning to electoral officers against violating electoral rules, emphasising that anyone found guilty would face prosecution. The Commission reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of the 2024 elections, stating that it would not protect any official engaged in misconduct. Ghanaians were urged to remain calm and report any breaches of electoral rules to the police or directly to the Commission.
Ghana, with 18.7 million registered voters, is holding elections to choose the country’s next president and 276 members of Parliament. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. (0700 GMT) and will close at 5 p.m. (1700 GMT) under the supervision of the Electoral Commission.
In the presidential race, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is competing against former President John Dramani Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). Both candidates have proposed contrasting strategies to address Ghana’s economic challenges. Economic hardship, driven by high inflation and a depreciating cedi, has been a key issue influencing voter sentiment.
The election has also drawn 13 other presidential candidates, including Alan Kyerematen and Nana Kwame Bediako, who aim to challenge the traditional dominance of the NPP and NDC.
Parliamentary election results are expected on Monday, with presidential results anticipated on Tuesday. The Electoral Commission has assured citizens of a transparent and fair electoral process, calling for patience and adherence to voting guidelines.
