By Enoch 
Broken Seals on EC Electoral Materials Spark Concerns Ahead of December Elections
Accra, Ghana, November 29, 2024 – A concerning incident involving the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has raised alarm among Ghanaians just days before the December 7 general elections. Bags containing ballot papers, which were being transported to a constituency in the Eastern Region, were found with their seals broken. This discovery has led to widespread concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the potential for tampering with the materials.
The Incident Unfolds
The incident came to light when a video surfaced on social media showing the broken seals on the bags of electoral materials. Eyewitnesses reported that the bags were visibly tampered with, and some residents at the scene resisted attempts to transport the materials to their designated constituency1. The video quickly went viral, drawing attention from the public and political stakeholders.
EC and Police Response
In response to the incident, the Ghana Police Service issued a statement explaining that the broken seals were a result of the packing and unpacking process during transportation. They assured the public that the contents of the bags remained intact and had not been tampered with2. Representatives from the EC and political parties were present to verify the integrity of the materials, further assuring the public that the electoral process would remain transparent and credible.
Public Reaction and Concerns
Despite the assurances from the EC and the police, the incident has sparked widespread concern among Ghanaians. Many are calling for a thorough investigation to ensure that the electoral materials have not been compromised1. The incident has also raised questions about the security measures in place to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
Legal and Ethical Implications
Legal experts have pointed out that tampering with electoral materials is a serious offense under Ghanaian law. If any evidence of tampering is found, those responsible could face significant legal consequences. The incident has also highlighted the need for stricter security measures and transparency in the handling of electoral materials to maintain public trust in the electoral process.
Impact on the Election
The controversy surrounding the broken seals on the electoral materials has cast a shadow over the upcoming elections. As Ghanaians prepare to cast their votes, the focus remains on ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process. The EC and the police will need to work together to address the concerns raised by the public and maintain confidence in the integrity of the election.
Looking Ahead
As the December 7 elections approach, the EC and the police will need to take additional steps to ensure the security and integrity of the electoral materials. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining strict security measures and transparency in the handling of electoral materials. The outcome of the investigations and the measures taken to address the concerns will play a crucial role in shaping public perception and confidence in the electoral process.
Last Words…
The discovery of broken seals on EC electoral materials has raised significant concerns among Ghanaians ahead of the December elections. The incident has highlighted the need for stringent security measures and transparency in the handling of electoral materials to ensure a fair and credible election. As the election day approaches, the focus remains on maintaining public trust and confidence in the electoral process.