The special voting exercise which occurred on Monday, December 2, 2024, was a microcosm of the high stakes and intense political atmosphere surrounding the upcoming December 7 general elections. The election, conducted across 14 out of 16 regions, catered for security personnel, electoral officials, media representatives, and others who will be engaged during the main polls. While the process was largely peaceful, several incidents of tension and controversy also emerged, highlighting issues that could shape the broader electoral process.
Key figures cast their votes
Prominent personalities, including Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Jean Mensa and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, were among the early voters. Mensa cast her vote in the La-Dadekotopon constituency, while Dr. Dampare voted at the Tema Community 2 polling station. Their participation underscored the importance of the exercise and set the tone for a largely smooth process across many constituencies.
Tensions in Ayawaso West Wuogon
The Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency was in the news again for the wrong reason. The constituency captured national attention after a heated incident involving the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP), Lydia Seyram Alhassan of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and her National Democratic Congress (NDC) opponent, John Dumelo. Alhassan was seen in videos distributing food to prison officers in line to vote at the Legon Police Station. Dumelo criticized this act, calling it an attempt at vote-buying.
This incident has since sparked public outrage and drawn the attention of the Office of the Special Prosecutor, reigniting concerns about the integrity of political campaigns and vote-buying allegations in Ghana’s elections.
Vote-buying allegations across constituencies
The Ayawaso West Wuogon incident was not isolated. In the Odododiodio constituency, NDC candidate Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie accused NPP rival Abdul Manaf Sowah of distributing money to voters. Sowah refuted the allegations, claiming the money was for transportation.
In the Cape Coast North constituency, tensions flared when NDC candidate Dr. Kwabena Mintah Nyarko accused NPP’s Ekow Ewusi of wearing party colors to a polling station. Ewusi defended his attire, emphasizing that it was not an intentional display of party affiliation.
Ballot photography and arrests
Allegations of voters attempting to photograph their ballots surfaced in multiple regions, notably in Walewale, where a Ghana National Fire Service officer was arrested. Such incidents raise concerns about ballot secrecy and potential electoral malpractice, prompting heightened security measures ahead of December 7.
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Jubilations in Ledzokuku and Calm in Bawku
In the Ledzokuku constituency, both NPP and NDC supporters celebrated post-voting, reflecting confidence despite the absence of official results. Meanwhile, in the Bawku constituency, the exercise proceeded without incident, offering a glimmer of hope for peaceful elections in conflict-prone areas.
Special Voting rescheduled for two regions
Due to logistical issues, special voting for the Eastern and Western regions was postponed to Thursday, December 5. The EC’s decision to recall and verify ballot papers for these regions emphasizes its commitment to transparency and accuracy, critical for building public trust.
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Lessons and preparations for December 7
The December 2 special voting exercise has provided invaluable lessons for the EC, security agencies and all stakeholders. The incidents highlight the need for strict adherence to electoral laws, enhanced security, and vigilant monitoring to ensure a fair and credible process on December 7.
As the stakes remain high, the EC, security agencies, and political candidates have pledged to uphold peace, reinforcing the country’s democratic resilience.
