EC appeals for calm as results collation continues

The Electoral Commission (EC) has called for patience as it diligently works within the constitutionally mandated 72-hour window to declare the presidential results of Ghana’s 2024 elections.

At a press conference on Sunday, December 8, 2024, EC Chairperson Mrs. Jean Mensa reassured the public that the collation process is progressing with precision and in strict compliance with the law to ensure accuracy and credibility.

“The process is elaborate and inclusive, involving political parties and observers at every step to guarantee outcomes accepted by all stakeholders,” she said. So far, collated results have been received from three regions—Ahafo, Central, and Western—leaving 13 regions still outstanding.

Mrs. Mensa emphasised that the EC’s multi-layered approach to result collation is deliberate, safeguarding the integrity of the process. While political parties receive pink sheet copies at polling stations, the EC must conduct detailed verification at multiple levels.

According to her, the process begins with collation and approval at the constituency level, followed by reviews at regional collation centres, where party agents further examine and approve the results.

From there, results are transmitted to the national collation centre via fax for final verification. Only after party agents confirm the accuracy of the national figures can the EC Chairperson, acting as the returning officer, declare the outcome.

“Citizens should exercise patience. It’s just been 23 hours since polls closed. This meticulous process ensures that the will of the people, as expressed at the polling stations, is accurately reflected,” Mrs. Mensa reiterated.

The EC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and credibility, appealing to Ghanaians to trust the process and allow the commission to complete its work within the stipulated timeframe.

Meanwhile, sections of the public and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), including the party’s National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, and Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, have expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived delay in the announcement of results.

They contend that the delay is causing tensions among the party’s rank and file.