The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has provided details about significant disruptions at nine constituency collation centres during the 2024 general election.
These incidents, involving violence, property destruction, and intimidation of election officials, have led to stalled processes and incomplete results in some areas.
Eastern Region: Chaos in Nsawam-Adoagyiri
The collation process in Nsawam-Adoagyiri was halted after hundreds of party supporters besieged the collation centre, destroying two ballot boxes and a biometric verification device (BVD). “Results for 100 out of 203 polling stations were collated before the mayhem,” the EC reported. Efforts to resume collation were paused after political parties agreed to postpone the process on December 12.
Ashanti Region: Violence and Arson
In Ahafo Ano South West, party supporters disrupted the collation exercise and assaulted EC officers. Days later, the commission’s storeroom was set on fire, destroying ballot boxes and voting screens.
In Ahafo Ano North, the EC vehicle carrying ballot materials was vandalised and set ablaze. Officers were assaulted, and the district office was ransacked. “Before the mayhem, 79 out of 140 polling stations had been collated,” the EC stated.
At Obuasi East, the collation centre was attacked, and the returning officer was threatened with an axe. The official was forced to declare results that did not reflect the true tally.
Greater Accra Region: Escalating Tensions
The Dome Kwabenya constituency saw ballot boxes containing 2024 ballots set ablaze, alongside the destruction of furniture and equipment. Election officials, including a driver, were physically attacked. Although all polling station results were later collated, the process was marred by disputes.
In Ablekuma North, violence led to the partial collation of results, with only 219 out of 281 polling stations tallied. Party supporters assaulted officials, destroyed property, and disrupted subsequent attempts to complete the collation.
At Tema Central, party supporters threatened EC officials and forced the declaration of results from 146 out of 148 polling stations. Ballot boxes, BVDs, and other materials were destroyed in the chaos.
Bono East Region: Gunpoint Threats in Techiman South
The Techiman South constituency saw the returning officer forced at gunpoint to declare results based on 135 out of 282 polling stations. The EC noted that plans for a recollation have stalled due to security concerns raised by the Ghana Police Service.
Moving Forward
The Electoral Commission condemned the violence, emphasising its impact on the integrity of the electoral process.
According to the Commission, “recollation in some constituencies will only proceed once adequate security measures are in place.”
The commission said it is working with law enforcement to address the disruptions and ensure the safety of future electoral processes.
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