The Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC), Mrs. Jean Mensa, has reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to transparency, responsiveness, and inclusiveness in ensuring peaceful and credible elections.
Speaking at the historic Peace Pact signing ceremony on Thursday at the Kempinski Hotel, Mrs. Mensa described the event as a pivotal moment in Ghana’s democratic journey. The Peace Pact, signed by all presidential candidates for the 2024 elections, symbolizes a collective commitment to national unity and peaceful electoral conduct.
The event brought together key political leaders, civil society organizations, and international observers, reflecting a shared dedication to preserving peace and democracy in Ghana. Mrs. Mensa commended the presidential candidates for demonstrating leadership and prioritizing the country’s stability over personal ambitions.
EC’s Measures to Foster Transparency and Inclusiveness
Mrs. Mensa outlined several key initiatives undertaken by the EC to ensure transparency and inclusiveness at every stage of the electoral process:
- Voter Registration: The EC conducted an extensive voter registration campaign in 10 local dialects, achieving a 97% turnout among eligible voters. Special measures ensured significant participation by persons with disabilities (PWDs). Detailed daily reports were shared with political party agents to enhance accountability.
- Exhibition Exercise: Voter verification was made accessible both physically at polling stations and online. In response to public concerns, the EC waived verification fees, allowing citizens to confirm their details free of charge.
- Nomination and Balloting: By opening the nomination and balloting processes to the public, the EC eliminated suspicions of manipulation. Mrs. Mensa emphasized that ballot positions were determined by the parties themselves, not the Commission.
- Printing and Distribution of Ballots: For the first time, media personnel were given tours of printing facilities to witness the strict transparency measures in place. This initiative reassured the public that fraudulent or additional ballots could not be introduced into the system.
Swift Response to Challenges
Mrs. Mensa highlighted the EC’s proactive approach to resolving issues, such as the recent challenges with ballot serialisation in the Volta and Ahafo regions. She explained how the EC promptly informed political parties, destroyed the defective ballots under supervision, and publicly issued destruction certificates, ensuring full accountability.
Assuring Ghanaians of the EC’s commitment to maintaining high standards on election day, she reiterated that the election results declared by the Commission would reflect the will of voters, based on results counted, recorded, and verified at polling stations.
A Call for Unity and Acceptance
Mrs. Mensa urged all presidential candidates to respect the outcomes of the election, emphasizing, “Elections are won or lost at the polling stations… At the end of the day, Ghana should remain standing as the beacon of democracy in Africa.”
She called on all stakeholders, including political leaders, civil society, and the public, to work together in safeguarding peace and democracy.
The Peace Pact signing has become a significant tradition in Ghana’s electoral process, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a model of democracy on the African continent.
The event concluded with a shared hope for unity and progress, encapsulating Ghana’s enduring motto: “Freedom and Justice.”
