EC Recalls Ballot Papers For Western And Eastern Regions, Reschedules Special Voting To December 5

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has announced the recall of ballot papers for the Western and Eastern Regions after reports of a defaced ballot paper surfaced. At an emergency press briefing on December 1, 2024, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa revealed that the special voting exercise for these regions has been rescheduled from December 2 to December 5.

The recall followed a report by National Security, which found a defaced ballot paper intended for destruction outside the Checkpoint Printing House, the facility responsible for producing the ballots. Although no irregularities were initially found in the Western Region’s ballot papers, the printing press that handled the Eastern Region’s materials also printed those for the Western Region. As a precaution, the EC decided to recall and reprint the ballot papers for both regions.

Jean Mensa reassured the public of the EC’s dedication to maintaining transparency and the integrity of the elections. She confirmed that the reprinting and redistribution of the affected ballot papers had begun and urged voters and candidates to remain calm and cooperative as the matter is resolved.

Special voting for other parts of the country will go ahead as planned on December 2. This exercise allows security personnel, election officials, and media practitioners to vote ahead of the December 7 general elections. The revised December 5 date applies only to the Western and Eastern Regions.