The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has clarified that the memo written by its Deputy Chairman in charge of operations to Regional Directors to account for 28 Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) used in the 2023 District Level Elections (DLE), does not amount to admission of theft of the machines.
According to the Commission, the memo was meant to get the directors to account for the BVDs supplied for the aforementioned election as an asset management requirement.
“The memo in question, widely shared on social media, was a routine communication aimed at ensuring the accountability and returning of all electoral equipment, including BVDs, to the Commission’s custody. This procedure underscores our rigorous asset management system, designed to maintain a transparent and accountable inventory of all Commission assets. This Commission places high value on all its assets,” the EC assured.
This is contained in a press release signed by the Ag. Director of Public Affairs, Mr Michael Boadu dated March 22.
According to the elections management body, the BVDs have not been stolen.
“First and foremost, it is imperative to address and dispel the rumors of alleged BVD thefts, which have been misconstrued by the circulation of a memo intended for internal asset reconciliation. The fact of the matter is, there have been no thefts of BVDs from the Electoral Commission’s stores. The only items stolen are five (5) laptops, which, as previously clarified, are separate from the BVDs and do not possess the capability to affect the integrity or outcome of elections,” the Ag. Head of Public Affairs of the Commission stressed.
The Press Statement sought to clarify concerns that have emerged from a circulating memo about Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) following the 2023 District Level Elections (DLE). The memo titled “RETURN OF BIOMETRIC VERFICATION DEVICES” was signed by the Deputy Chairman of Operations.
This has generated concerns, particularly among members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The NDC Minority in Parliament earlier alleged that seven Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) of the EC have gone missing. An allegation that the Commission denied in a press briefing on Wednesday, March 20.
There is no compromise to electoral integrity – EC on unaccounted BVDs | 3News
The Director of Elections and IT for the NDC, Edward Omane Boamah, admonished the Electoral Commission (EC) to allow for a full-scale, unbiased and independent enquiry into the missing Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits for a free and fair election.
Dr. Omane Boamah, in a Facebook post on Friday, March 22, attached the memo dated March 7, 2024, from the EC to some regional directors to facilitate the return of some Biometric Verification Devices to the EC headquarters.
“Hopefully, the Electoral Commission of Ghana can retrieve these un-returned Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) very soon. Quite worrying! I also hope the Electoral Commission is ready and willing to allow for full scale unbiased investigations into the Biometric Voters Registration (BVR) kits that were stolen.”
The release further stated that “Let us reiterate for the public’s peace of mind:
• No Compromise to Electoral Integrity: The BVDs, integral to our electoral process, are designed with sophisticated security features. Without the proper activation and official use within our electoral framework, these devices are essentially inoperative. The integrity of our elections, therefore, remains unassailable.
• Misinterpretations and Clarifications: The circulated memo should be understood in its correct context. It is a procedural document for asset management, not an admission of asset theft. Our efficient tracking system ensures the return and accounting of all our assets, reaffirming our commitment to prudence with the use of the public purse.
• Security and Usefulness of Equipment: We want to assure the public that any equipment, if ever misplaced and even in cases of vandalism, cannot be utilized to undermine the credibility of our electoral process due to the advanced security protocols and activation requirements in place.”
The Electoral Commission therefore called on stakeholders to be circumspect in what they say about the forthcoming elections.
“In light of these clarifications, the Commission urges the public and all stakeholders to approach information dissemination with accuracy and responsibility. Unverified speculations serve only to undermine public trust and the integrity of our democratic process.
The Electoral Commission remains dedicated to its mission of delivering transparent, free, and fair elections. We continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity in our operations and are committed to protecting the sanctity of the electoral process,” the press release concluded.
Please read full PRESS RELEASE ON MISSING BVRs.