Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Special Aide to NDC Presidential Candidate John Dramani Mahama, has strongly criticized the Electoral Commission (EC) for reported shortages of ballot papers in parts of the Volta Region.
The affected constituencies include Keta, Ketu North, Ho Central, Hohoe, and Ho West.
The EC confirmed the shortage on November 28, sparking public concern and speculation. At a press briefing on November 29, the EC clarified that the issue was not limited to the Volta Region and assured the public that its staff were managing the situation.
However, Bawah Mogtari described the shortage as evidence of the EC’s inefficiency, questioning the Commission’s ability to ensure a smooth electoral process.
She suggested that the shortages might not be accidental but rather indicative of deeper systemic challenges within the electoral body.
Speaking during the Legal Green Forum for law students and legal practitioners, she stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, urging the EC to rectify these issues promptly to preserve public trust ahead of the December general elections.
“This is not the first time we’ve pointed out that the Electoral Commission is not up to the task. They are not acting like an independent body. We’ve always suspected this because so many partisans are parading as commissioners. I’m happy these mistakes have been noticed, as they highlight the EC’s incompetence.”
“Even at the printing houses, we are being told they are printing more than they need. The beauty of this is that we are now very vigilant. Every step of the way, we’ve worked hard to expose the EC’s biases and incompetence.”
She reiterated the party’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the elections.
“This is an election the NDC is supposed to win. Ghanaians are yearning for change, and we will ensure that every ballot is protected. Our polling agents have been accurately trained, and we are poised for victory,” she assured.